A campaign against 300 homes has been criticised for “wasting” thousands of pounds of tax payers’ money on a referendum.

Menston Parish Council could face costs of up to £9,000 for the poll, instigated by Menston Action Group (MAG).

Next Thursday, residents will be asked to vote on a proposal to urge Bradford Council to reject the plans for Bingley Road and Derry Hill, in Menston.

Menston resident Sue Greaves said it was “nimbyism gone mad” to spend money on something which had no legal standing.

“MAG, who are completely unelected, are forcing the parish council to waste a huge amount of public money raised through precept,” said Mrs Greaves, who has resigned from the committee of Menston Community Association in protest.

“Despite all MAG’s efforts, they have only managed to get the support of around 20 per cent of residents to oppose Derry Hill and half of that number to oppose Bingley Road.”

Under the Local Government Act 1972, six members of the community can request a parish meeting to call for a referendum.

MAG spokesman Graham Booth said everybody at the parish meeting had voted in favour with just one abstention, and described the criticism as ‘scaremongering’.

The referendum will take place between 4pm and 9pm at Kirklands.

  • Read the full story in Thursday's T&A