THE long-running war memorial saga took a further twist this week as a Labour watchdog chief 'called in' a decision to halt the monument's relocation.

The memorial has already been removed from its historical home in the town centre amid plans to install it in the newly redeveloped Municipal Square.

But work was suspended last week as the new Tory-led council prepared for a referendum on the issue, answering protests from campaigners and war veterans about its removal.

This decision was met with fury from opposition Labour councillors who insisted it could cost taxpayers a further £100,000.

Now Labour councillor Steven Roberts, as chairman of the Local Economy and Environment Policy and Overview Committee, has triggered emergency powers to 'call in' the decision.

A committee meeting will now be held this afternoon (Thursday) to scrutinise the decision-making procedure and the reasons for the decision.

Cllr Roberts said he had 'grave concerns' about whether the decision was a level-headed and reasonable action or in the best interests of the people who will have to foot the bill for any abortive work.

He said: "You can't just turn up at work one day and decide that you want to stop a multi-million pound project.

"It's a bit like ordering a new garage and then telling the builder to put down his tools and go home so you can consult with your wife for a further two months.

"This isn't a game where you can just do what you like without taking responsibility for the consequences. I want to focus the minds of council leaders.

"I am deeply concerned about the cost of suspending the work and any legal action which might now be taken by the contractor.

"It may end up costing a fortune - with local people footing the bill."

Council leader Brian Silvester insisted that any costs involved would be met within existing budgets for the two squares and would not impinge on council tax levels.

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