COMMUNITY figures in the West Marsh claim half the ward is being neglected by their councillors – who have been branded the "big bag of gas" and the "invisible man".
Members of Friends Of The Freshney are furious with ward councillors Ian Lindley and Darren Billard, claiming that they concentrate efforts around West Marsh Community Centre, ignoring the Boulevard Avenue area.
The row erupted after the group was refused ward funding and a £2,500 application for Community First funding – for which Mr Billard sits on the panel – for the Duke of York Gardens Community Fun Day on Saturday, May 25.
At a Friends Of The Freshney Meeting, Allan Jackson branded Councillor Lindley "the invisible man" because he does not attend their meetings and Councillor Billard "the big bag of gas", saying he claims he will try to help the group "but doesn't even bother".
Former councillor Keith Watkin said: "This is an event enjoyed by the whole community which is right in the centre of the ward, but they don't seem bothered about anything unless it happens at West Marsh Community Centre."
Friends of Freshney member Roy Loughton said: "We want to promote the great facility that we have in the Duke of York Gardens. A lot of people still see it as two separate areas.
"However, the point of the day is to get all the different community groups together.
"This fun day gives people the chance to have a good time but also means groups can promote themselves and get their names out there. You would think that is something the councillors would support but at the last minute, they have told us there is no funding available. Now we are going to have to scale our plans back."
However, councillors insist that there is no bias towards certain parts of the ward.
Councillor Lindley said: "We have tried to engage with what is a very small group, but have found them very difficult to work with.
"It is impossible to go to every ward meeting which is why we have centred meetings around West Marsh Forward, which we attend regularly.
"Their members are welcome to come and chair of Friends Of The Freshney, Peter Barker, attends regularly – and we have worked with him very successfully in the past."
Councillor Billard said he regrets funding was not available for the fun day but thinks the event will go ahead.
He said: "Cuts to the council's budget from Government have had a severe impact on many services.
"Community First funding has helped us plug that gap – although there are many good causes competing for that money and ward funding.
"The fun day is always very enjoyable but when we are weighing whether to offer £2,500 for something that lasts a few hours or less than £1,500 for a new oven for Meals on Wheels that will last for 10 years, it is the oven.
"But the group are very capable and the event made a profit last year so I'm sure they can pull it off again."
ON THE WEB: Should the event be funded by the council? Have your say by posting a comment on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
