TEMPERS flared as the future of Portland Town Council's offices was discussed.

Members were tied after voting on whether to ask Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's planning committee to rescind a decision to sell the building to developers for conversion into flats.

Under the scheme town councillors would still be allowed to use the basement for meetings.

Town councillors were also tied on the second part of the motion proposing that they ask the local civic society to appeal the borough council's decision to the local government ombudsman.

A second motion, proposed by Councillor Les Ames after the first failed, to defer a further vote until the town council discussed the viability of challenging the borough council's decision with the civic society also failed.

Portland mayor and chairman of last night's special meeting, Coun Tim Munro, said: "I really wish you had gone and asked the civic society first."

Coun Richard Denton White, who made an initial motion to enquire into getting listed building status for the offices, said: "We're talking about a revolution in the way the council operates here."

He added that Portland Town Council currently does not have the powers that others in the county enjoy.

Coun Richard Paisley said: "You're just blocking everything that's being said by every other councillor."

Coun Denton White replied: "That's your suspicion because you're being challenged."

He added that Coun Paisley was attacking his integrity.

Coun Munro asked Coun Denton White to refrain from using the word revolution'.

Councillors heard that if Portland Town Council can no longer use the building in the future it may be asked to travel to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's offices for meetings.

Deputy mayor Coun Sandy West said: "I'm happy to go downstairs.

"I would rather be part of this building downstairs than not part of it at all."

She added: "I find it very encouraging that Richard Denton White is very enthusiastic towards the building but I do feel he pooh-poohs what we've been trying to do here."

Coun Paisley said: "The bottom line, whether Coun Denton White likes it or not, is that we cannot afford to take this building over now."