Tendring Council has come under attack for not playing its part in the upkeep of two ancient monuments along the Clacton coastline.

It was accused of leaving the fate of one of the historic Martello Towers in the hands of the Scouts and ignoring the dilapidated condition of the other.

Tendring councillor Mike Bargent (Lib Dem, St Johns) said: "It is easy to criticise the Scouts - but we have done nothing. I think it's appalling."

Kevin Harkin, assistant director of leisure services, told councillors the Scouts had brought in a building surveyor and would be submitting an application to English Heritage.

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