Volunteers at a cherished community club say they are in the dark about urgent funding, which has sparked a political row in Swanscombe.

Committee members at The Pavilion Community Sports and Social Club, known as the pavilion, said they were surprised to learn Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council had promised cash to spruce up the building, despite not saying anything to them.

The struggling sports club has been without heating since before Christmas and has a number of leaky pipes and cracked floors in need of repair.

The facilities are used by football and cricket teams while the hall receives bookings for children’s parties, senior lunches and fitness clubs.

Labour councillor Steve Doran tabled an amendment at Dartford council’s budget meeting to allocate £20,000 towards bringing the building back up to scratch.

The request was turned down and dismissed as “electioneering” by the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents' Association who said they approached the council for funds after a meeting with the pavilion group.

Committee chairman Karen Melbourne-Dowse said the group was unaware money had been earmarked and questioned why the group were not told.

Karen said: “It was the first time I’ve heard of it.

“When we took the building over we thought we would work with the council but it is like banging your head against a brick wall.

“From the moment we came in the place was in an absolutely diabolical state.

“We didn’t have a penny. The town council gave us the first three months rent free and then we were on our own.

“We wanted to save it for Swanscombe.”

The group took over the the building in 2013 after agreeing a lease with the town council.

The money has sparked a political row between Labour members and the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents' Association, who said the amendment could have delayed repair work if successful.

The latest newsletter reads: “Unfortunately the Labour group at DBC [Dartford council] tabled an amendment to the forthcoming budget to include a fixed sum, which would have limited the finance available, as well as delaying anything happening for several months, until the new budget was in operation.

“There was no doubt that the arrangement made by Cllr Bryan Read on behalf of the Town Council, was in the best interest of all concerned, being able to start investigations now without a limit on costs (within reason).

“We believe that the actions of the Labour group are part of their forthcoming electioneering, which is not the right thing to achieve positive results for our local organisations.”

But Cllr Doran rejected the criticism and maintains there was no reason to refuse the request.

She said: “My view hasn’t changed.

“I don’t understand why Mr Read of any other town councillors couldn’t have voted for this amendment and pursued other avenues.

“They are not mutually exclusive.

“I don’t see how it would have caused a delay and I’m deeply concerned that borough councillors are using unminuted meetings to go about council business.

“They could have kept the pavilion committee informed and as far as electioneering goes, I will continue to stand up for residents regardless of whether there is an election or not.”

Both Cllr Bryan Read and Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council were approached to comment but have not responded.