AN ADVICE service in Melksham and Warminster could be axed because district council officials cannot remember why they are paying for it.

A review into budgets at West Wiltshire District Council has called into question two £9,000 grants given to Melksham and Warminster town councils to run area offices in the towns.

The two town councils received letters three weeks ago asking them to justify why they are being paid to run an area office for the district council.

If a valid reason cannot be given, the service could be cut leaving thousands of people without an advice service on issues ranging from refuse collections to housing.

The area offices were set up 10 years ago to act as an agent for the district council and help take some of the workload off its staff.

Councillors in Melksham have reacted with uproar to news that the grant could be withdrawn and say office hours may have to be cut to cover the financial gap.

Cllr Adrienne Westbrook said: "It would be disastrous as people come to the town hall as a first point of call.

"Sometimes it is a district council problem but we sort it out.

"We are all supposed to be working together.

"That extra money helps us make certain that the town hall is open between the hours of 9am and 4pm, that may have to be reviewed or the council tax put up depending on what happens with the grant."

Warminster councillors also reacted angrily to the news saying they may stop giving advice on behalf of the district council.

Cllr Ultan Ryan said: "The money is fully justified and we are looking for an increase. We do a lot on behalf of the district council, so I would be very angry if the money was taken away.

"We jolly well earn it and it should be increased in line with the cost of living."

Cllr Andrew Davies said: "The money must not be withdrawn. If the funds are withdrawn then we will instruct the town council staff to stop doing the work."

Karen Arnott, head of community initiatives at the district council, said: "It is a long standing arrangement made before my time.

"They deal with enquiries about how people can get refuse collections and so on.

"But all the town councils do this in their role. I have no idea why Melksham and Warminster have been paid to do their role.

"We are potentially looking at widening the remit of the tourist information service.

"We have no idea why they are paid so this is why we are looking into it.

"I would hope even if we decide to remove the funding, which we haven't yet decided to do, the town councils would still deliver the advice service."