COMBE Martin Museum volunteers who were accused of "always being on the scrounge" have to wait to see if the parish council will provide them with a free car parking space.

Combe Martin Parish Council members decided to make a U-turn on their original decision at Monday's meeting and offer the volunteers a transferable bay in Kiln Car Park.

But then clerk Michelle Beaumont advised councillors to check whether the decision was "actually legal".

The volunteers were alleged to be "always on the scrounge" by parish councillor Eric Hughes in July after requesting the parking space.

The comment sparked criticism because most of the volunteers are aged over 60 and some have difficulty walking.

Speaking at Monday's meeting, councillor Trevor Kibble said other organisations such as the Tourist Information Centre, which is next door to the museum in Cross Street, could now ask for free parking.

He said: "We could suddenly find ourselves inundated with people looking for free or low cost parking. But what differs is the TIC staff get paid for their hours of work, while the people at the museum are all volunteers.

"On this basis we should view the application favourably. The big danger is this could let the door open but I personally believe the museum is an exception because it is such an asset to the village."

The majority of councillors in the room voted to give the parking space, but Mr Hughes abstained from voting. He said it was because "I don't want to get myself in hot water again."

Mrs Beaumont and council chairman Julia Clark left the room during the debate after both declaring an interest.

But when they returned Mrs Clark and Mrs Beaumont said councillors should find out whether awarding the parking space would be allowed by North Devon Council under its parking arrangements.

They also questioned whether the decision complied with the Equal Opportunities Act.

Mrs Beaumont said: "We should take advice from North Devon Council on the legality of it. We have a duty of care to act within the law."

At this point villager Clare Mountain stormed out of the meeting saying: "You get a lot of money from the museum and to think you can't give £2.80 a day away. It is just terrible."

Resident John Lovering said: "It is just disgraceful."

Combe Martin Museum is run by around 80 volunteers.

The building is owned by Combe Martin Parish Council.

The council charges the museum committee an annual rent of £5,274.

The museum car park space will now be discussed at a Combe Martin Parish Council parks and open space committee meeting on Monday September 6.