Angry councillors have defended a community centre after it was labelled a white elephant.

Walton's Columbine Centre, which is run by the town council, was criticised by an amateur playwright who baulked at the cost of hiring it for a play.

Owen Lewis wanted to hire the centre's purpose-built theatre but was put off by the price - about £700 for two nights.

He said the building in Princes Esplanade is becoming a huge, unwelcome, white elephant.

But Jan King denied the centre is overpriced and under-used, at a recent meeting of Frinton and Walton Town Council.

She produced a list of groups and events that have booked the centre this year.

She added that there are only three weekends between now and Christmas when the main hall is not booked - and that would have been two if Mr Lewis had not cancelled.

"There are something like business functions that go in weekly and 21 extra events going on," continued Mrs King.

"The centre is quite well used in my opinion - we are not a white elephant.

"I do not know where Mr Lewis gets his thoughts from, but his mind must be somewhere else."

The council recently revealed its payments on the £855,000 centre are nearly complete.

l Councillors have been invited to view the refurbished cafe and entrance area on Friday.