A representative for a charity in crisis has come under fire for failing to attend a key meeting.

Ben Howlett, (Con) a Harwich Town councillor, represents charity Teen Talk on behalf of the council.

Two weeks ago the charity announced it will have to close at the end of the financial year because funds have dried up.

Now councillors are demanding answers from Mr Howlett, after he gave apologies for absence at the latest town council meeting, which had the charity's crisis situation on its agenda.

Councillors decided they would write to Mr Howlett demanding an explanation as to why he wasn't there.

But Mr Howlett was contacted by the Gazette after the meeting and said he was not there because of other commitments.

"I had work commitments, I don't want to shun them or anything. It is a bit stupid other councillors saying it is just my responsibility," he said.

"No one has contacted me to ask the situation on Teen Talk, and I am happy to talk to them."

Garry Calver (Comm Reps, Harwich East Central), spoke of his anger.

"Whether councillor Howlett could attend or not is irrelevant, there is no excuse for him to have not advised the council of Teen Talk's possible crisis either in writing or by e-mail."

Teen Talk has been running for nine years and needs £170,000 to keep going at its Dovercourt and Clacton centres.