Labour Councillors faced a lobby from indignant Bantams fans as they went to their private group meeting in City Hall last night.

It followed major controversy after planning chief Councillor Syd Collard voted against proposals for a £7 million stand at Valley Parade and said it would be a "monstrosity" for people living nearby.

The planning sub-committee chairman later came in for fierce criticism from Bradford City chairman, Geoffrey Richmond, as well as fans and demands were made for his resignation.

The planning application for the stand was approved when Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors voted in favour.

But Labour councillors were showered with leaflets saying "It's not a monstrosity - it's home" by fans who hoped a group statement would be issued afterwards supporting the club.

Council leader Coun Ian Greenwood said today he could not comment on a matter involving an individual councillor.

He said: "I have made it clear over many years that I support them. I work closely with the club. The planning application was approved and the stand will be built."

Coun Collard said he did not wish to comment.

But David Pendleton, editor of the City Gent fans' magazine which organised the lobby, said: "I am disappointed that the group did not come out with a statement in support."

l The Labour group received proposals to axe the jobs of ten top officers as part of a management shake-up, as a consultation document.

Members were told a firm decision should not be made because consultation was going ahead on the radical proposal, which means there would be three new assistant chief executives and 18 new directors on a lower scale.

The Council's existing directorate would be abolished and existing top management would be able to apply for the new posts when they were advertised nationally.

The group also decided officials should draw up a constitution for the new Labour backbenchers' committee.

The committee has been set up because backbenchers fear they will be isolated from decision-making in the reorganised authority.

Coun Greenwood, said: "It is right the backbenchers should have a forum."

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