NEARLY �3m has been spent by the borough council on consultants over the past three years. And the leader of the opposition has attacked the incompetence of the Tory administration for wasting such a large amount of taxpayers cash. Labour group leader

NEARLY �3m has been spent by the borough council on consultants over the past three years.

And the leader of the opposition has attacked the "incompetence" of the Tory administration for wasting such a large amount of taxpayers' cash.

Labour group leader Margaret Birleson revealed �2.84m had been spent on experts for capital and revenue projects over the past three financial years.

Projects included redeveloping the Moors Walk parade and refurbishing Campus East in WGC, and investigating chalk mines and ongoing fees relating to the town centre revamp in Hatfield.

Speaking at Monday's full meeting of Welwyn Hatfield Council, Cllr Birleson said she was "appalled by the incompetence" of her Conservative party rivals.

She said: "�2.84m is a substantial sum of money and raises a number of concerns which needs careful scrutiny.

"I will be calling this in at the earliest opportunity."

However, Tory councillor Alan Franey, executive member for resources, explained the expenditure was for much needed improvements.

"The actual figure of consultants in my view is a substantial but much required use of funds."

And he added: "The Labour Government plans to spend over �4bn over the next four years on consultants.