Auditors at a south Essex council are asking for more information about money spent on a big project which was abandoned.

Sources at Rayleigh Town Council say the independent firm that checks the council's annual accounts wants information on the controversial two-storey pavilion plan at King George's playing field.

The scheme was dropped by the new Conservative administration, which won a virtually unopposed landslide victory in June's local elections.

A new scheme for a single-storey pavilion at a reduced cost has now been put in motion by the council, which has also pledged that all discussions, except those which concern confidential matters over the price of tenders, will be held in public.

A council source said: "The auditors have telephoned the council to ask for more information about why a figure of £159,000 was spent by the authority on plans for the heating and plumbing system of the new building before planning permission had even been granted.

"Rochford District Council's planning committee rejected the proposal because of its size and the auditors are concerned with the way the matter was handled by the council."

Council vice-chairman Tony Humphries said: "I can confirm we have received a call from the auditors which has expressed concern about the way the matter has been handled.

"As far as the current administration of the council is concerned, we will help in any way."

Published Tuesday August 24, 2004

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