A CRUNCH meeting will be held to rule on controversial plans for Leigh Town Council to spend £8,000 on “exhibition stands” ahead of an arts fair.

Residents have criticised the move claiming it is unnecessary and a “waste of money”.

Councillor Paul Gilson has confirmed the council will meet today to determine the date for Leigh Art Fair which had been set to take place in the community centre in Elm Road between November 30 and December 7.

Mr Gilson said the date for the event could now move to the Easter weekend after the plans received backlash from residents and councillors.

Mr Gilson said: “We were trying to put on something good for the town and it passed through council unanimously.

“It’s for the benefit of the artists and the town. We passed it so there was some money available to do this all.

“We are talking about a change of date. I expect a change of date on Monday, they are now looking at rescheduling for the Easter weekend.”

Councillor Carole Mulroney, who had criticised the plans, has welcomed the meeting and said it serves as an opportunity to properly scrutinise the proposals.

Ms Mulroney said: “In a way, this is what I wanted. Nobody knew anything about this.

“I welcome the opportunity to properly scrutinise the project which will cost thousands of pounds to the taxpayer.

“I just think this has not been scrutinised properly. Artists are coming there, they are coming to sell their works. I don’t get what’s in it for the council and the residents of Leigh.

“They need to hear what other people have to say.”

Councillor Bernard Arscott said a decision on the date will be made on Monday, and added he was not certain if the date would be changed.

He has defended the decision to purchase the display stands as a “long-term investment” in the town and said the new display stands could be used for similar events in future, or by community art groups.