A TORY politician has told a parish council to put its money where its mouth is.

Clr Martyn Bolt has attacked Denby Dale Parish Council’s plan for its area.

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for transport said: “Their 20-page glossy builds up aspirations through a wish list of actions it would like to see. Most are not the responsibility of the parish council.

“They have produced a plan which they want others – such as Kirklees Council – to deliver.

“A lot of the issues cover my portfolio area, so it would have been common courtesy to have consulted me.

“If they were serious about delivering this plan then would have made some budget provision rather than building expectations without the substance to back them up.”

The plan calls for action on anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion, road safety and Green Belt land.

But Clr Bolt said many of these issues were being worked on.

He added: “The plan seems largely based on 142 questionnaires returned by the public, with little or no consultation with public bodies.

“There has been a duplication of effort which is a waste of money.”

But parish council chairman Graham Turner rejected the criticism.

He said: “If we had approached Kirklees for help, we would have received a negative response.

“If, as Clr Bolt claims, our plan is a duplication of effort I would assume this means Kirklees are also drawing up a plan for the parish. When can we expect this to be published?”

Mr Turner also defended the consultation process.

He said: “The report was based not only on returned questionnaires, but also public meetings held in all the villages in the parish.

“The response could have been better, but the lack of public interest in politics is a worry for all volunteer organisations.

“Clr Bolt belittles his office by attacking our well-meaning attempt to have a dialogue with the residents, something which Kirklees has never attempted.”

Mr Turner added: “I am sorry he has chosen to publicly attack the parish council without any contact. I invite him to come to a parish council meeting where we can discuss the plan and how we can co-operate to help deliver it.”