NEWLY-elected councillors hungry for change have lost a bid to reduce council pounds.

Hereford City Council has been eating its budget for years, providing hungry councillors with food and drink after meetings at the taxpayer's expense.

But a recent motion to end the practice has been rejected by councillors.

Councillors Phil Edwards and Julie Woodward believe it's money poorly spent, but were the only two members to vote against dinner privileges at a full council meeting.

Members finished the evening with another meal - but Coun Woodward was not at the table.

"I think it's morally wrong," she said. "I know they have been getting this treatment for a long time but as far as I know, we're the only town or parish council in the county that does it."

According to Coun Edwards, Hereford City Council has spent £20,700 wining and dining guests at civic events during the past four years. During the same time, £7,490 has gone on meals for councillors.

That figure is food for thought, insists the independent, who was disappointed with last week's decision.

"That money should go on environmental improvements in the city," he said, "you've only got to look to see it needs some financial attention, but individual councillors are making the most of that money."

Full council meetings are held 10 times a year and councillors insist the meal is one of the few perks of office.

City councillors are not paid and evening meetings can last more than four hours.

"Having refreshments after a series of long meetings is not unreasonable and is a common practice at Herefordshire Council as well," said Councillor Anna Toon, leader of the council.

"The cost is negligible, amounting to a total of less than £2,000 for the whole year. I would not support the paying of allowances for members, as this would amount to a lot more.

"I look forward to discussing more serious business at future council meetings," she added.