Opposition councillors in Coventry say a new radio studio installed in the council house has been covered up.

They are incensed that they were not told that the studio is available for councillors and officers to do interviews.

Members of the Conservative group say they only became aware of the studio’s existence after it was mentioned in a financial report.

When they queried the quoted £18,500 cost, they were told that it was in fact an error, and it should have been £4,000. The report was amended,

Cllr Phil Townshend, cabinet member with responsibility for the council’s image, said that the studio had been installed to give members and officers the chance to do interviews.

He said it saved time for the people involved as they didn’t have to go to a radio station. The high-quality ISDN meant stations were more likely to ask for interviews on national issues.

Cllr Townshend added:

“It is also useful because it means an officer can be on hand with more information if it required.”

But, the dispute over how much it really cost aside, the Conservatives are angry that they weren’t even told about it.

Cllr Gary Crookes (Con, Wainbody) said:

“This is something that was being kept secret by the Labour party. We were not told about and we haven’t been told about how and when we can use it.”