Councillor Dave Naghi’s plans to secure support from Maidstone Borough Council for a renewal of the town’s River Festival have run into trouble - after some councillors changed their minds.

Cllr Naghi was delighted after a meeting of the heritage, culture and leisure committee two weeks ago, when members voted by a large majority that the council should “facilitate” a revival of the River Festival this year, particularly with help from its safety advisory group, and with cleaning up after the event.

But although the committee agreed to the proposal, with five in favour, none opposed, and four abstentions, three of the members have now called the decision in for a review by the senior policy and resources committee.

Cllrs Matthew Burton, Gill Fort and Mike Revell (all Conservatives) now consider the decision taken by their fellow members was “flatly irresponsible” and “foolhardy”.

The three said: “Not one of us is opposed to the River Festival per se, but we feel it is inappropriate to make such an unthinking commitment to the reinstatement of the event.”

Instead the trio are calling for officers to present a report on the possible cost implications to the council, before an “evidence-based” decision was reached.

Strangely Cllr Burton had moved just such a proposal on the night of the first meeting, but withdrew it as the chairman was about to invite members to vote on it.

Cllr Naghi (Lib Dem) said: “I don’t understand this. These members had the opportunity to vote against my proposal on the night - and they chose to abstain.”

The policy and resources committee will consider the issue tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Town Hall at 6.30pm.