A shack-like sculpture in the heart of a poverty-stricken resort has been branded an “insult” and a “waste of money” by residents.

Artist Nathan Coley’s structure, 46 Brooklands Gardens, was unveiled on Saturday at the address after a two-year production process.

The project cost £40,000, a sum paid for by Colchester-based arts group Firstsite – which relies heavily on taxpayers’ money.

Chris Fenton, said the money would have been better spent on facilities for young people, to help keep them off the streets.

“That space could have been used for a boxing club or a dance school,” he said.

“The area has potential but it needs money spent on it.”

Donal O'Regan, of Riley Avenue, agreed that the cash could have gone to better use.

He said: “It’s a waste of money.

“Can’t the roads be sorted out instead?”

His partner, Jackie Garner, said simply: “It’s a load of rubbish.”

Meanwhile, Barbara Simpson said the structure is of little artistic merit.

“It just looks like a children’s climbing frame to me,” she said.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s a total waste of money.

“By the time winter’s over it’s going to look filthy.

“What about a few more street lights instead?”

Sheila Deacon, who can see the sculpture from her front door, has been left appalled since its installation.

She said: “It’s not art – it’s an insult.

“It just highlights how run-down and ramshackle the area is, and the plight of the people who have to live here.

“I suppose it might help other people to see the problems that we have here, but I think it’s an eye-sore.

“People walk past and laugh at it.”

At the unveiling, artist Mr Coley defended his work saying: “Surely Jaywick deserves to have money spent on art as much as Colchester or anywhere else?”

The work will remain on site until February when its future will be discussed with residents.