A STATUE intended as a memorial to town celebrations in Marlborough next year is at the centre of a growing rift between the town council and organising committee.

The proposed work of art was intended to provide a lasting memorial to the 2004 celebrations when the town marks the 800th anniversary of getting its royal charters.

The 2004 Committee was set up by the town council to plan the celebrations, which Prince Charles has been invited to attend.

But some town councillors were unhappy that the committee applied for grant support for the statue without first consulting them.

People in the town have also suggested through letters to the Gazette that the 2004 Committee should have held a competition and invited a number of artists to submit proposals for the work of art.

The committee instead agreed to accept an offer from Maggi Hamling, a member of the Royal Academy, to produce a sculpture. She came up with a proposal for a moon and sun representation and a year ago town councillors approved the design in principle.

But after disquiet in the town concerning the statue proposals, members of the town council finance and general purposes committee decided on Monday that the 2004 Committee, chaired by Coun Graham Francis, should have written terms of reference.

2004 Committee member David Sherratt responded in outrage, saying: "You may not have a sub-committee left if this is passed."

He said the terms of reference were unnecessary and 2004 Committee members were concerned they no longer appeared to have the backing of the council.

Mayor Margaret Boulton said: "I feel that either by omission or commission we have been misled by the 2004 Committee on the work of art."

But she agreed with several councillors who said they were only criticising the 2004 Committee over the work of art issue. Coun Stewart Dobson, who drew up the terms of reference, said: "The rest of the work they are doing I think has been a wonderful job."