A war of words between political rivals has broken out in Brentford over proposed plans to build a GlaxoSmithKline car park in Boston Manor Park.

Councillors and residents have become engaged in a bitter slanging match on online forums after the Chronicle last week revealed GlaxoSmithKline is offering cash to help regenerate the house and grounds in exchange for space for a 600 space car park.

Ex-council leader and independent councillor John Connelly admitted there is 'a need to find funds to invest in our open spaces'.

But he adds: "However, to allow one of the country's richest multinational companies to effectively 'buy' additional parking (at the expense of part of the park) would be an act of political prostitution on the part of the council's executive."

Last week, members of the Friends of Boston Manor Park were furious they had not been consulted when plans, which were discussed at Hounslow Council's executive meeting on Tuesday evening, were drawn up.

Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem ward councillor in Brentford, this week added his voice to their protest.

He said: "These proposals should not have come out in a report to the council's executive without a prior discussion around the ideas with local residents and the friends of Boston Manor park."

However he admitted that in the 'present economic climate' the plans sound like a 'realistic' and 'reasonable' way to bring in the much needed funding for the Grade I listed house.

But executive member and Community Group leader Phil Andrews fended off criticism, saying: "If this 'in principal' support is given at executive on Tuesday, I would expect the commitment to consultation contained in the report to be honoured in full, and that is the point at which residents would be able to deliver their verdict.

"It is inconceivable that with so many talented and hard working councillors, a dynamic and proactive area committee and a superb Friends group operating out of the park, a fudged consultation would be allowed to obscure local feeling."