A LATE bid to stop the controversial sale of land near a Tottington play area has failed.

Tory councillors have now accused Labour of riding roughshod over democracy and making decisions in "smoke-filled rooms".

They are annoyed over the proposed sale at Sycamore Road to Walshaw Estates, which needs the land to build an access road to its planned new 30-house development.

The provisional decision was made by Labour's ruling cabinet and confirmed by the executive committee, both held in private.

Labour said that, as the land was public, the public had to be consulted by law, and this would now happen.

But local Tories say this is the wrong way round, and the residents should be consulted first, so they "called-in" the matter for debate at full council on Wednesday (Nov 21). Councillor David Higgin, Tory leader, said it was about displaying open and transparent government.

"This was decided first, decided fast, and decided in secret," he said. "People will see it as a fait accompli."

He said it smacked of "furtive" councillors having "clandestine" meetings in a "smoke-filled rooms scenario".

Coun Higgin wanted to defer a decision and send the whole matter back to the executive committee "to redeem itself, to deal with it fairly and equitably in a manner which displays probity and propriety".

This was echoed by fellow Tory councillor Yvonne Wright, who said: "Surely the people should have been asked first. Making recommendations before having consultations sends worrying messages to people."

However, Councillor Derek Boden, deputy council leader, said everything had been done in accordance with council procedures.

He confirmed that the official, fenced-in playground with swings and slides would not be sold, only land 80 feet away from it.

Coun Boden reiterated that the public would be consulted, adding: "Only once their comments have been received would the council confirm its decision."