A TOWN council refused to give financial help to a rowing club that helped develop Zac Purchase into an Olympic gold medal hero.

Evesham Rowing Club, which is in financial trouble after a series of floods, applied for an unknown sum under business rates hardship relief.

However, at a council meeting on Monday night, a vote held in confidential session allegedly produced a tie, meaning no money would be given to the rowing club, which is still looking for about £60,000 of the £130,000 it needs.

The council, and mayor Alan Booth, who allegedly abstained from the vote, were criticised at Wychavon District Council’s executive board meeting on Tuesday, where it was agreed financial help would be provided.

Councillor Ron Cartwright, who represents Evesham, said: “It’s a great pity Evesham Town Council didn’t vote for it. Evesham Rowing Club is a great asset, bringing thousands of people into the town.”

Councillor Bob Banks said there had been a “deriliction of duty” from Coun Booth by not voting.

Councillor Anna Mackinson said although £26,000 had been given to the club – which also offers facilities for tennis squash and weight training – from a flood fund last year, she supported giving it more money because it helped keep children off the streets, while Councillor Alan Anderson, who had rowed at the club, said youngsters achieved great things there.

“They are also ambassadors for Evesham all over the country,” he said.

Speaking after both meetings Coun Booth defended the town council’s position.

“We fully back the rowing club and everyone on the council believes the club is doing a wonderful job for the town,” he said.

“If we had said yes to this request, it would have opened the floodgates for a lot of other businesses and we have not got a bottomless pit of money.

“I can think of around 20 local pubs which could do with the allowance. “We have had five or six hardship allowance requests and we have not given money to any of them.”

After the meeting, the chairman of Evesham Rowing Club John Lomas said: “We are very grateful to Wychavon. It would be a great help.”

Zac Purchase joined Evesham Rowing Club in 2001 and was made an honorary life member in 2006.