A Basildon arts group responsible for promoting creativity in the town has been divided by infighting.

Members of the Basildon Arts Collective are in a state of confusion after feuding led to a splinter group, bearing the same name, being set up.

The group was set up four months ago to promote art in the district.

Members put on a show of unity at last weekend’s BasFest, where they showcased performances, workshops and displays.

However, a war of words has since erupted between the collective’s elected chairman, Liz Grant, and founding member Steve Waters, one of the puppeteers behind internet-star Old Man Stan.

Mrs Grant, 52, claims Mr Waters, responsible for the group’s website, and some of his supporters have carried out a coup by blocking her and others from the website.

In response, she has set up a new website which she says is the new home for the legitimate Basildon Arts Collective.

She said: “Mr Waters has hijacked the website, chucked me off it and is now trying to hijack the membership.

“A lot of members have been in touch with me showing their support.

“I’m the duly elected chairman of the group. We’re a legal entity with a bank account.

“It’s very sad and counterproductive, but the group still has good opportunities to promote the arts.”

However, Mr Waters argues the real group is the one still being run through the original website.

The puppeteer said: “The Basildon Arts Collective is already an established group.

“Just because Liz has been given her marching orders doesn’t mean she can take the group’s name with her.

“The majority of the group’s sensible membership hasn’t been happy with things for a number of weeks now.”

He pointed to problems with the way Mrs Grant has been running the group as the source of contention.

He added: “It’s a good group and we want to simplify it and bring it back down to earth.”

Kevin Blake, Basildon councillor in charge of art and a member of the original Basildon Arts Collective, said he would continue to be a member of the original group.

He said: “I hope this isn’t going to derail the progress we’ve been making.

“As far as the council is concerned we are still committed to helping the arts, within the limited resources we have.

“If the issues don’t get resolved and there are two groups, then the council will look at every project on its own merit.

“But we’re hoping the two groups will work together.”