AN Upton-upon-Severn town councillor has been criticised by the Mayor for "going behind the council's back" in a disagreement over the closing time of Upton Water Festival.

Mayor Eric White told Wendy Hands it was totally unacceptable for a councillor to try and over-rule a democratic decision taken in the council chamber.

The council agreed last month that the festival should close at 11pm on Saturday, August 24, in opposition to Mrs Hands, who wanted it to close at 10pm.

She had complained about last year's fireworks, which did not start until 10.25pm.

This week, members heard that the Malvern Hills licensing officer had over-ruled their recommendation and set the time at 10pm after receiving a complaint.

But Mrs Hands said she had already contacted the licensing department before the council discussed the matter and she was unhappy that more discussion had not been allowed.

"After the vote I was in touch with them again and they told me they didn't agree with the council's decision and they thought it should go to 10pm," she said.

"I had strong concerns about it and they asked me to fax them through, which I did. I wasn't asking them to overturn the decision."

The Mayor said he was very surprised that a councillor would try to alter a motion that had been approved by the council.

"This is open forum and if you are not prepared to stand up in this chamber and voice your opinion, then I don't think you should be voicing it behind our backs," he said.

Mrs Hands said she had not gone behind anyone's back, but had made her feelings clear in a letter to the previous Mayor, Roger Barker, and at the last council meeting.

"I am a resident here and I was disturbed. My house was shaking," she said.

"I wrote as a private individual, which I am entitled to do."

District councillor chairman Mary Wilkinson said she had since intervened on behalf of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, which organises the Water Festival.

The display will now be allowed to finish at 10.30pm.

"It was rather unreasonable to say the fireworks should finish by 10pm, which would have meant they would have to start at 9.30pm, when it was still light," she said.

She explained that last year's fireworks had been delayed to allow the Conway Castle pleasure boat to return to its landing stage after a passenger was taken ill.

Having been a member of Upton Town Council for many years, Coun Wilkinson said members could not always win.

"If the vote goes against you, you have to swallow your pride and go along with the decision," she said.