THERE have been calls for an inquiry after redecoration costs at Blackpool Town Hall spiralled upwards.

Furious Conservative group leader, Cllr Peter Callow, has demanded a full independent inquiry into the cost of ongoing refurbishment at Blackpool Town Hall.

The work has already burst its £500,000 budget and Cllr Callow has accused council chiefs of 'obscene extravagance' after wallpaper charged at £500 a roll was ordered for the chief executive's area.

"In no way can they justify what they are spending to the people of Blackpool," said Cllr Callow: "They are trying to turn a traditional Victorian town hall and municipal building into some kind of civic centre.

"I don't agree with it at all and I'm sure the people of Blackpool don't either - after all, they are paying for it. "Their excuse is that this area will be used to welcome important visitors - well, for that money, the wallpaper is singularly unimpressive."

But town hall chiefs have said costs have increased after the unexpected discovery of asbestos, as well as fire and gas appliance safety requirements.

Council chief executive, Steve Weaver, said this week: "The work carried out in the chief executive's area is part of an ongoing refurbishment programme.

"Over the past three to four years most of the Municipal Building has been gradually revamped and redecorated.

"The work in question has been in a key area where the chief executive and strategic directors are situated.

"This area has not been changed for over 20 years and has a regular flow of important visitors and potential major investors from outside Blackpool."

The work had, he added, cost only £20 per square metre more than improvements elsewhere in the building.

"The cost is also some £275 less than the national benchmark figure set by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for refurbishment of offices in this type of building," Mr Weaver added.

"This work is designed to last at least 15 - 20 years and this should be taken into consideration when looking at the costs as opposed to regular five yearly re-decoration."