The deputy leader of Bradford Council has dug his heels in over the furore about City Hall sandwiches.

Councillor Mohammed Ajeeb insists that the butties are not of the quality paid for - and says the waste caused because people do not want them is "morally and politically unacceptable."

Coun Ajeeb spoke out after City Hall catering staff bit back at his criticism of their efforts at a meeting of the Council's performance review sub-committee.

They sent a salver of their sandwiches to the Telegraph & Argus and asked us to judge their work for ourselves.

The Council's catering division won the contract to provide the food at City Hall and other public buildings in competition with the private sector.

After the complaint the Telegraph & Argus received a welter of letters from readers about the issue.

Coun Ajeeb, a former Lord Mayor, said: "It has been very enlightening to see the strength of opinion that a discussion about the humble sandwich can inspire among some of your readers. It leaves us councillors in no doubt that the public still has a passionate interest in the democratic process at City Hall."

"My comments obviously hit a sore point for many people who appear to object to the very principle of refreshments being provided at Council meetings. To my knowledge all councils have always provided refreshments at meetings because most councillors, like some members of the public who attend the meetings, can reasonably expect some sustenance if they are not able to go home for it because of their council responsibilities."

But Coun Ajeeb stressed the main point he was making was that the Council had a duty to ensure that the authority got value for public money.

"To see councillors and members of the public turn their noses up at City Hall sandwiches is morally and politically unacceptable, as well as being a dreadful waste of public money."

Letters

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