Barry Ashton, Herefordshire councillor for Ledbury, says the referendum on Leadon Bank is a waste of public money.

He said the outcome would not change Herefordshire Council's decision. Planning permission to rebuild the old people's home on another part of the site has already been granted.

Coun Ashton, speaking at last week's full town council meeting, said: "Such a referendum will have no result and it's a shame public money is being spent on it."

The total cost is likely to be £3,500 from town council funds.

The Leadon Bank plan has run into opposition from residents in Orchard Lane, who say the new home too high and too close to the road.

Coun Ashton, who voted in favour of planning permission, added: "On balance, I believe the decision was in the best interests of Ledbury."

He added while the new home would be a residential and not a nursing home, it would be able to provide better and longer-term care to residents.

Town councillor Martin Eager had written to Coun Ashton calling for his resignation over his support for the Leadon Bank plan, despite local opposition.

Coun Ashton said he would be making a complaint about the content of Coun Eager's letter to the Standards Board for England.

The referendum is due on Thursday, October 27, probably in St Katherine's Hall or the Community Hall, from 4pm to 9pm.