MEMBERS of a community action team are furious at the council's decision not to launch the new Street Scene project in Dallam and Bewsey.

Controversial plans for an all-purpose street-cleaning team were unveiled two weeks ago and after the community services committee agreed to extend the scheme into Bewsey and Dallam the decision was overturned at a meeting of the full council. In a letter to the Guardian a spokesman for Community House Action Team said the group would welcome the Street Scene initiative, as it would support the work carried out by local volunteers.

The spokesman said: "We fully appreciate that resources are limited however we do believe that the council tax for Dallam and Bewsey is funding a very selective service.

"We must ask the question 'is Dallam and Bewsey an affluent, well-maintained, scenic area or is this only in our dreams?'"

Clr Mike Hughes, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said the Street Scene project is a pilot scheme which will be extended in other areas if it proves successful.

But C.H.A.T, based in Dallam, is also concerned that the local community development worker Chris Wylie, who left his position three weeks ago, is not going to be replaced.

Clr Hughes said: "With regard to Community Development, resources are limited, which means that some hard decisions need to be made on priorities.

"It is vital that all issues are taken into account when decisions such as these are made and such dilemmas have to be resolved through objective cost benefit analysis."

He added: "I can assure the people of Bewsey that they are a very important part of our overriding commitment to improve communities.

"They have been chosen, with our support, to bid in the new round of Sure Start funding, which could bring about considerable amounts of community investment to benefit young families."

l See the full letter to the Guardian on page 22.