A ROW over a council parking space has led to allegations of abuse of privilege.

It concerns the use of a car park set aside for councillors at the Civic Offices on Euclid Street.

Councillor Jemima Milton (Con, Chiseldon) has accused Geraldine Robertson (Lib Dem, Freshbrook) of misusing the car park.

She said: "Why is a Liberal Democrat councillor allowed to park there all day while she is at work when there are limited spaces?

"It's an abuse of privilege of a council car park.

"It makes it difficult for members who have to come in during their working hours to find a parking space."

The car park concerned is next to the council offices on Euclid Street and has seven spaces.

Councillor Milton said members are not allowed to use it unless they are on official council business.

She made her allegations at a meeting of the full council.

The nearest alternative car park is the Wyvern Theatre multi-storey on Islington Street which carries a charge of £6.10 per day.

All the other nearby streets have yellow lines or residential parking restrictions.

Coun Robertson was re-elected in the borough council elections last Thursday. She said: "I'm disappointed that they chose to make a comment at full council rather than approach me first in order to express any concern.

"Basically it is true that I work nearby. The reason I use the car park is that it gives me time to do council work from home and work at the Civic Offices that I wouldn't be able to if I travelled in by bus.

"There is so much to do when you are working and are a councillor every minute is precious.

"During the day there are very few cars in this particular spot.

"If it were causing a problem I wouldn't do it."

When the Evening Advertiser visited the car park in question, only one space was being used.

Liberal Democrat party leader Mike Evemy (Eastcott) said: "This is trivial and we have got so many more important things to be worried about such as education and social services.

"It is just ridiculous. Geraldine deserves an apology."

Labour councillor Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) has defended Coun Robertson.

He said: "Many members abuse that car park for going to the library."

The lead cabinet member with responsibility for car parks is Keith Small (Lab, Western).

He said: "It is not acceptable and I have asked the chief executive to write to all councillors setting out the policy in relation to car parking at the Civic Offices.

"To the best of my knowledge this is the only councillor brought to my attention who is abusing the privilege of being a councillor and having somewhere to park."