FURIOUS residents claim their "Arthur Fowler" style tenants' association chairman has taken £3,500 of their money without spending a penny organising events.

Residents say Coldharbour Tenants' and Residents' Association chairman David Cooper promised them gifts, parties and days out throughout the year, but so far has yet to spend any of the money.

Now Mr Cooper has hit back at the claims, saying he has "nothing to hide" and the residents are hounding him "like a bunch of vigilantes".

The under-fire chairman has also promised to deliver festive hampers, Christmas gifts for children and a party by this Saturday.

Association members have raised at least £3,500 in the past year through raffles and other fundraising events.

Residents say Mr Cooper, who took over as chairman 18 months ago, has so far not spent any of the money raised.

Association member Michael Bennett said: "His favourite saying he is an entrepreneur. But I think he's living in cloud-cuckooland."

He added: "We want him to deliver his promises and then he can disappear forever. "

Coldharbour resident Bill Jeavons compared the situation with when Eastenders' character Arthur Fowler failed to spend money raised by his gardening club.

He added: "I hope this money is spent. It will be so sad if we lose out."

Former association treasurer Jean Andrews resigned in July, after becoming fed up with working with Mr Cooper.

She says he promised to spend the money on holidays, days out and gifts for residents.

Mrs Andrews, 59, added: "It was as if he was going to do everything for us, like a God. I really do not think he is on this planet."

Mr Cooper, of Barham Road, Chislehurst, failed to attend an association meeting last week. And he has switched off his mobile phone to avoid the baying residents.

Despite this, the chairman claims he is not running away from the issue.

He told News Shopper: "I have absolutely nothing to hide. I'm a bit of an entrepreneur but some of these people do not understand the way someone like me works."

He added: "They are acting like a mob and a bunch of vigilantes. I have absolutely had it up to here."

Mr Cooper claims he has already organised trips to Hastings and Southend this year, but the residents deny the trips have happened.

The defiant chairman also maintains he will keep his promises.

He added: "I have until next weekend to produce toys, hampers, and a party for the kids and I am going to do it.

"I will make sure everything I've promised is done. Then I'm going to walk away."