THE future of a Basildon art group dogged by infighting is still uncertain after a reconciliation meeting descended into chaos.

Members of the Basildon Arts Collective made some progress at a meeting largely characterised by squabbling about how the group’s accounts were being managed.

The gathering followed the resignation of the collective’s treasurer who said she had not had access to any bank account statements or original receipts.

The meeting was originally called following a row between the chairman, Liz Grant, and member Steve Waters, who is the puppeteer behind internet hit Old Man Stan.

The war of words led to a splinter group being formed, with a separate website, claiming to be the home of the “official” collective.

Both members have threatened each other with legal action.

Members called on Mr Waters and Mrs Grant to resolve their differences immediately.

Mr Chaplin, a Basildon-based photographer and member, said: “This is getting very personal and it’s got to stop. Both of you have done things wrong and you’ve got to both admit that and move forward.”

Brian Crawley, another member, said: “You are all arguing about silly bits and pieces. We’ve got a room full of people here and we don’t know which group we’re in. We’ve got to sort it out.”

After nearly two hours of bickering, Mrs Grant agreed to close down the second website.

The group also agreed to consider a constitution proposed by Mrs Grant, appoint a new treasurer and have an accountant go through the finances.

Mrs Grant said: “We have a lot to lose by not working together.

“The council wants to talk to a united group and at the moment why would the council want to work with a group like us?”

The collective was set up in response to the council’s controversial decision to move Dave Chapple’s sculpture, the Woodsman Poacher, from its home in St Martin’s Square.

Council says: Sort yourselves out BASILDON Council has warned Basildon Arts Collective it will miss out on funding if it does not settle its differences.

Kevin Blake, councillor in charge of the arts, was at the latest meeting with Paul Brace, council officer in charge of cultural affairs.

Mr Brace issued the group with a stark warning if they did not work together and vote on a constitution, they were unlikely to receive any funding, from the council or other bodies.

He said: “The council will be getting smaller not bigger and local groups will have to stand on their own two feet. You need to get your constitution right.”

Mr Brace offered to help the group with this. He also said if the collective could get back in shape the council would appoint it as its main consultant on the arts.

He said: “Once we have a constant and coherent message from you then we can offer the collective a big role.”

Kevin Blake added: “I was disappointed at all the infighting. I still feel there are issues to be solved, but hopefully arts in the district will not suffer.”