THE proposed loss of jobs among maintenance workers re-opened a bitter political feud last week.

Labour councillors reacted angrily to the news that seven jobs are likely to be lost at a workshop run by Balfour Beatty Fleet Services at Leeming Bar, near Northallerton.

They claimed that the workers had been given assurances by Conservative councillors just six months ago that their jobs would be safe.

The county council voted in December to sell some of its operations, to a subsidiary of Balfour Beatty.

The Leeming Bar base will be closed with staff relocated at a new facility in Finkles Way, Northallerton, but seven jobs are expected to be lost.

Labour's environment spokesman Coun Eric Broadbent said: "Our fears have been realised and the Conservatives who pushed through this move must taken full responsibility and hang their heads in shame."

Tory councillor Peter Sowray said: "They are simply playing politics. It is disappointing that we are losing these jobs but vehicle maintenance was one section where there never was a guarantee that the workload could be maintained."