A new row has erupted over Northavon Bowls Club with Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Williams claiming he was prevented from raising the subject at a recent council meeting.

Members were asked by Bradley Stoke Town Council to find an 8% rise in rent but refused to pay.

Jon Williams claims he was ”prevented by the Conservative Leader [Robert Jones] from raising the issue at a town council meeting”.

Mr Williams went on to say: “Behind closed doors Conservative councillors have drawn up an agreement which demands that the bowls club pays £10,500 in 2009/10 rising to £13,200 in four years time.

“I don’t mind who sorts out this mess so long as the bowlers are back at their home ground for the 2009 season.

“Unfortunately the Conservative-run town council have failed to understand the problems that the club have faced since being evicted from their home ground and are now demanding a sum of money which the club with it’s reduced membership have absolutely no chance of being able to afford.”

But the Conservatives have hit back accusing Mr Williams of storming out of the meeting in a “fit of temper”.

Mayor Robert Jones said: “I think it’s a shame that Cllr Williams feels the need to use Northavon Bowls Club for his own political ends. It was after all a Lib Dem administration that imposed the original rent increase and started the dispute.

“The matter was raised and Cllr Mark Forsyth has been authorised to open negotiations with the Club with a view to agreeing a new lease in time for next season.”

Cllr Forsyth added: “The club has been provided with a draft agreement which can form the basis of negotiations. A meeting has been scheduled with representatives of the club and hopefully we will find some common ground.”