A row erupted today after Bradford Council's major highways maintenance award went to a private company - without being put before a public committee.

The £18m contract held by Carillion has gone to construction firm ATMOS.

About 90 former Council workers transferred five years ago to Carillion will be employed by the new firm.

The decision was delegated to Council assistant chief executive David Kennedy after information went to Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton, the leader of the Liberal Democrat group Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, and Labour leader Councillor Ian Greenwood.

Mr Kennedy was advised on tenders received by an independent panel. His action is in line with agreed Council procedures and he pointed out today that the decision was published on the Council's website.

But Coun Greenwood said he had informed the officers of his concerns over the contract before its award and he was "outraged'' his call for it to be considered at public committee had been ignored.

He said he was writing to Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, Stephen Byers.

"I am taking this up because I believe it is not in the interests of open government," he said.

Until the Council was modernised last year reports giving details of bids, but not naming companies, have gone to contract committees where decisions were made by councillors based on the recommendations of officers.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said she did not agree members should be personally involved in the award of contracts, but the decision was above board and complied with procedures.

Atmos operations manager, Gavin Blogg, said: "The transfer of those employees will greatly enhance the team and we are already looking to recruit more operatives."