Rotherham Council is to delay an important meeting so it can accommodate the diminutive 61-year-old country star when she rolls into town on Wednesday.

Dolly, famous for hits like Nine to Five, I Will Always Love You and Jolene, is calling in at Templeborough's Magna Centre to launch the British version of a successful US scheme to help young children to read.

But today, ruling Labour group councillors were accused of putting Dolly before democracy by deciding to put back their full council meeting by an hour so they can join the fun.

Rotherham Council leader Coun Roger Stone is a known country music lover and fan of the 61-year-old 5ft 2in sensation.

But Independent Coun Tony Mannion said: "I am outraged that democracy is being put on hold for celebrity.

"It is poor timing and it doesn't give a good impression.
"I'm all for her visiting but it should not have been allowed to interfere with council business."

Coun Stone visited Nashville, the home of country music, on a council and Chamber of Commerce trip last year.

He has said he is keen to organise country stars coming to Rotherham to boost the status of the town.

But today, Coun Reg Littleboy, the council's Labour group secretary, said: "It is a pity that Coun Mannion has taken this attitude to what is a major event and has the potential to provide massive benefits for the town.

"Rotherham Council and Chamber are proud to be associated with this reading scheme and I am sure delaying the meeting a short while won't cause problems."

The country music legend and Oscar-nominated star is in Rotherham to make the official UK launch of her Imagination Library.
It mails a book per month to children from the time of their birth until they enter nursery and runs in 566 counties across 36 US states, as well as Canada.


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