A TECHNICALITY was expected to push the long-running saga of a grant for Haslemere Citizens' Advice Bureau back into secret session at this week's meeting of Haslemere Town Council's finance and general purposes committee meeting.

Town council clerk Mike O'Neil said before last night's (Thursday's) meeting that it was because "an administrative procedural point needed clarification".

It is understood that problems arose after the grant was agreed for the one-off capital project to fund a quality assurance project being undertaken by the CAB, in line with the bureau's national association rules.

It is believed a new resolution will have to be passed by the council to pay the "non-recurring" grant, to comply with its rules not to give grants for revenue funding before the money can be paid.

CAB first applied for grant funding last year with a £6,000 application for revenue funding later withdrawn, to be replaced by another for a capital grant. The CAB was later invited to give a presentation to the town council to explain why it needed the money.

The grant was finally passed in February amid accusations from town councillor Stephen Mulliner that the CAB had "involved a press campaign to try to get money out of the council".

He warned that any organisation which put pressure on the council over grant applications would be turned down.

Among other items discussed behind closed doors last night was the possible purchase of the Haslemere town meadow. Last year Waverley Borough Council, which owns the land, put a price tag of £6,195 on the meadow.

Then the council was told that costs could be £3,000 a year and would include playground inspection and maintenance, grass cutting and shrub, hedge and tree work.

Additional annual costs incurred by the town council for drainage work and other maintenance could send the total rocketing to £8,500. The town council would also incur costs for playground equipment repairs and tree surgery.

This week Liberal Democrat Mark Lelliott has reiterated his strong views against holding items in secret session.

"I said at the last grants panel meeting that there was an ideological difference between the Tories and Liberal Democrats and I believe the Conservatives have lost the openness and accountability since they have controlled the town council.

"I feel very distressed about this. Conservative town councillors seem to be saying that it is much easier to close the meeting when they don't feel any need to be open about matters."

"We really have got a problem when we can't open up and democratise the town council - it is becoming less and less accountable," he declared.

Also being discussed in secret session last night were quotes received for new carpet as part of refurbishment plans for the town council chamber.