The mayor has a dedicated space at the front of the building

Mayor Brian Chaplin and council leader Andrew McKinley both claim rights to a specific slot behind the building.

Mr Chaplin says it is dedicated for the mayor but Mr McKinley says recent changes means any councillor with a permit can park there.

The mayor has a space in the front of the offices for the official car. The cabinet will debate the row on Tuesday.

A statement from councillor John Morris, the Cabinet member who covers parking, said the mayor did have spaces both at the front and rear of the building until 1 February.

'Bully-boy tactics'

But changes were agreed in September 2005 to "bring the parking into line with the council's Green Transport policy".

An annual charge of �52 was brought in for all councillors wanting to use the designated car park.

"This was effective as of 22 February 2006 and the spaces at the back of the municipal offices will be available to councillors who have paid on a first come first serve basis," Mr Morris said.

But Mr Chaplin said he needed both spaces for his civic duties and opposed the charge which he claims is still a proposal and not set in stone.