A ROSSENDALE pressure group has been accused of "hogging" council time at committee meetings.

Rossendale Chartists were branded 'time wasters' by opposition councillors after Rossendale Borough Council meeting.

Brenda Wilkinson, secretary of Rossendale Chartists, who pride themselves on promoting good practice in public services, put up £10,500 of her own money to take High Court action against a Rossendale Council planning decision in 2002 and won.

She challenged the decision to grant permission to Greens tarpaulin factory, off Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, to vary a condition on its application that the business be run by a husband and wife who retired in 1995.

She claimed the business was being used without the relevant planning permission after the couple retired.

Councillors spoke out against the group, claiming council business was being neglected because of time spent answering Chartists' questions.

Conservative leader Neil Smith, said: "Public question time is a good idea but there are one or two individuals who take advantage and it leaves you wondering how much the Chartists are costing the tax payer. The Chartists really are abusing their position."

The Mayor of Rossendale Coun Eileen Kershaw added: "They should ask their questions, get their answer and that's it. Chairmen should be sterner with these people and control the meetings in accordance with Standing Orders because I do feel these people are hogging these meetings."

Mrs Wilkinson said: "It's been quite clear for some time that certain councillors have resented our questions. There is half an hour set aside at the start of every council and committee meeting, we take up about five minutes.

"We are trying to promote community involvement, openness and accountability. It's all part of the new way forward for the council to encourage more people to come to public meetings.

"I am not sorry I wasn't at the council meeting because I wouldn't have had any right of reply. We are used to this now and will continue to hold the council accountable and make positive contributions at council meetings."

David Hancock, deputy council leader, added: "I don't see there is any problem whatsoever, it's up to them to express their opinions. It's councillors who should make make decisions to see if their opinions are valuable."