ANGRY Todmorden town councillors are calling for an urgent meeting with the leader of Calderdale Council and the chief executive officer over what they claim is a lack of progress in building a new market.

They are angry that a pledge of cash was made when plans for the new complex were unveiled.

But after further talks with other groups, the progress seems to be at a standstill.

In a statement released to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, the chairman of the amenities committee, Councillor Sandra Twigg, claims the council has been "betrayed."

Coun Twigg said she welcomed the market town's initiative, along with Todmorden Pride's proposals for the market.

The action plan includes new paving surfaces, areas for people with disabilities, improved car parking and provision for a farmers' market and antiques and craft markets.

Said Coun Twigg: "It was a promise of regeneration, but we have been betrayed. Our wishes, expressed through various bodies and meetings, have been totally disregarded.

"The plans displayed in the indoor market show no real improvements and the artist's impression I found utterly meaningless."

And Coun Twigg demands to know what happened to plans for the town centre toilets.

"As far as I can tell, we are not going to gain from these proposals. Nor can I see that they will cost the estimated £184,500 shown in the action plan.

"I would like to know where the money is going and would welcome assurances that it will not be diverted to fund the one stop shop or similar scheme."

Todmorden councillors at the development committee meeting expressed concern that no action was apparent.

They felt it was time to seek an answer from "the top" after being told in a letter from regeneration officer for Todmorden, Mrs Hilary Brooke, that "the plans are far from finalised and a signifanct amount of work is now in progress with engineers, architects and surveyors all working to produce an innovative scheme for Todmorden."

Coun Tony Greenwood commented: "Plans are still being drawn up before they even come to us. I shudder to think how much money has gone down the drain.