CAERPHILLY Council refused to provide £2,500 of funding to help celebrate 650 years of magistracy in Gwent because belts are being tightened in the public sector spending cuts.

The money was applied for from each of Gwent’s five local authorities from the Gwent Magistrates Association 650 committee.

It is being sought to help celebrate the anniversary of the Justices of the Peace Act 1361, a statute which led to magistrates acting across the UK.

The committee, which is a charitable trust, is trying to raise funds for functions and public events across Gwent to celebrate the anniversary.

Caerphilly Council is believed to be the first local authority to refuse the funding, with Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen said to be looking into the proposals.

Leader of Caerphilly Council, Cllr Lindsay Whittle blocked the use of funds for the anniversary celebrations, saying it can’t be justified at a time of massive spending cuts.

Cllr Whittle said he refused to approve the grant immediately after being asked, adding: “How could we justify supporting a celebration for magistrates- although I acknowledge their contribution to public life- at a time when massive spending cuts are on the way?”

He said that to even think of holding a celebration now is insensitive and that residents in Caerphilly county would be “up in arms” if the council spent the money at a time when jobs and services across the public sector are under threat.

Cllr Whittle added: “We are now in a different world, so it would not be right for us to support this application.”

A member of the Gwent Magistrates' Association 650 committee said funding for the celebrations are being sought from various sources and there will be no definite plans until these are raised.