A WAR of words has erupted between an MP and a Labour-controlled council over marking the inaugural Veterans Day next month.

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones has accused Chester-le-Street District Council of letting people down by failing to make plans to celebrate the event, on June 27.

Mr Jones, who says the authority turned down his suggestion for Veterans Day to be marked, is now making his own plans to stage the event, on June 24, held on the Saturday to attract more people.

Mr Jones said last night: "Veterans have made, and continue to make, such a major contribution to British society. It is a great idea to have a national day of celebration, to honour that contribution, and that's why Veterans Day has been created.

"I encouraged Chester-le-Street District Council to hold an event of their own to mark the occasion.

"But it decided to do nothing. That's a big mistake, and will come as a huge let-down to many people in the district.

"Such an event would not have even cost the council a penny, as funding is available from the Ministry of Defence. I'm very disappointed at this decision."

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson said: "I am disappointed at the MP's response, in that he's fully aware of the council's decision.

"The possibility of organising such an event was brought to our attention at very short notice.

"In fact, we were only told of the available funding five days after the deadline. The council had no prior notification of the inaugural day."

She said: "It is my understanding that the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Association was also unaware of this proposed day.

"Perhaps our MP might achieve more if he directs his criticism at the Ministry of Defence for not bringing the proposed day under the attention of local authorities in a timely fashion."

Coun Ebbatson added it was she, and not Mr Jones, who passed on detailed information about the day to interested individuals in the district.

She said: "The council values highly the contribution made by veterans in the district, and indeed we have a number of members and officers who have fought in recent conflicts. We are therefore committed to support opportunities to express our appreciation for our veterans."

Coun Ebbatson said the authority was organising a summer festival where it was hoped a veterans' day would be featured.

Chester-le-Street DLI Association branch secretary Brian Hardman said he was awaiting further information before commenting.