THIS summer's New Forest and Hampshire County Show is at the centre of a political row after council bosses supplied £20,000 for an artillery display at a time when they are cutting public services and axing employees.

In a bid to save money, Hampshire County Council has already cut 172 home carer jobs and is also axing 27 out of 60 librarians in the county.

However, looking to impress the crowds at this month's show, it has supplied a £20,000 grant to pay for performances by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Billed as the highlight of the programme to "make the show go with a bang" the display is the latest council expense to be heavily criticised at a time when it is cutting services and libraries across the county are under threat from closure.

This week the Daily Echo revealed Hampshire library service has been condemned by unions for splashing out on new uniforms while axing 27 out of 60 librarians and downgrading a further 17 in a bid to save £1.2m this year.

Now county councillor Alan Dowden, who represents residents in the Baddesley Ward, is attacking the council's decision to award the grant.

"I think it is insensitive and an insult at a time when they are making cutbacks to spend this money," he said.

"I'm not against the show and hope it is a wonderful event but this should be covered by the businesses involved or by the cost of entry to the show.

"I know there will be some 100,000 people who may enjoy the display but there are some one and a half million people who pay their council tax who won't be there. Council leader Ken Thornber said it should make the show go with a bang, but I wouldn't be surprised if the only noise he hears is the sound of protest over the cutting of services."

Cllr Thornber defended the use of the money as part of a scheme to boost community groups.

"The £20,000 awarded to the New Forest Show to attract the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery Gun Display came from a budget that is specifically for grants to community and voluntary organisations," he said.

"Hampshire County Council awards these, and other grants totalling around £3.9m, because it recognises the vital role that voluntary organisations and community groups play in helping us deliver services to Hampshire residents and in providing opportunities and experiences that help improve the quality of life of people across the county.

"The New Forest Show is a showcase for rural life and has an educational and economic value because it attracts more than 100,000 visitors, many of them tourists camping in the New Forest."

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery is stationed in St John's Wood, London and its duties, as part of the Household Troops, include the firing of salutes on royal anniversaries and state occasions.

The display consists of about 80 men, 60 horses and ceremonial gun carriages. There will be two performances in the main ring on each day of the show.

They will be at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show along with other attractions, including the David Beckham Football Academy, over three days from July 24 to July 26.