A ROW has erupted over plans for a town council to fund £10,000 of hi-tech gear for a controversial new visitor centre.

The £1.2million centre is currently taking shape near the Naze Tower at Walton’s clifftop beauty spot.

Essex Wildlife Trust secured funding for the project, which it says will showcase the Naze and boost tourism.

Frinton and Walton Town Council has moved to make a provision in its annual budget to pay up to £10,000 for audio and visual equipment to kit out the inside of the centre when it is completed.

Speaking at the latest council meeting, councillor Terry Allen said: “The building will be finished in September, then it will be time to start fitting out the educational and training rooms.

“This is something tangible that we can help with and it would be good for this council to play its part in something which will be massive for our area.”

But a row broke out when some councillors opposed the plan.

Walton councillor Delyth Miles, who campaigned against the construction of the centre, said: “Essex Wildlife Trust is a rich charity getting a peppercorn rent. How much does the public purse have to bail out a wealthy charity?

“I have objected to this from the very beginning, but I would be the first to congratulate them if it is a success.

“But I have serious concerns and a lot of residents signed a petition against it. We should respect that and I don’t think we should spend public money like this.”

Vanda Watling said: “I think the centre is anexcellent idea, but IT equipment is very easy to fundraise for. Is it really appropriate for us to be using taxpayers’ money for this?”

But the town council eventually decided to make the provision in its budget.

Mr Allen added: “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. It’s ridiculous.

“The amount of visitors it is going to attract and the uplift it will have on that end of Walton will be tremendous.

“It has taken ten years to get to this point and we need to do our bit to be involved and support it.”

The council will have to vote at a futuremeeting before a decision to actually spend the money is made.