A £10,000 scheme to revamp Walton’s Millennium Square might be dead in the water as councillors argue it is not what people want.

Money has been ring-fenced for the project since retail consultant Mary Portas visited Walton a few years ago and awarded a grant.

After earlier works done in 2013, Frinton and Walton town councillors were presented with another design at its latest meeting, which were branded “rigid” and lacking detail.

Town mayor Jack Robertson called it a sketch while David Oxley tore the vision apart.

He said: “I’ve surveyed more than 40 people and not one person wants it done.

“We want to uplift Walton and have to diversify but this won’t help. What we want is more of a friendlier place but the plan is rigid.”

Mr Oxley highlighted a problem with drug taking in Millennium Square which he said will only increase as a result.

He added: “We don’t want the idles sitting there drinking beer and we’ll also lose six car parking spaces for the market.

“I’d like to see a container selling Costa coffee, a certain amount of seating and a few trees plus another container with toilets because we’re going to lose them in Mill Lane.

"And no thought has gone into maintenance and who will look after the plants and trees.”

The upgrade will involve resurfacing the floor and new electrics being put in with a view to it being completed by autumn.

Councillors were promised the final design would go back before the committee, but were split on whether to approve the scheme in principal.

However, they did, on the premise they would have ongoing input into any designs.

Championing the scheme, Delyth Miles, said: “It’s an investment in the town which I think will enhance it and if the local authority is prepared to put some investment into Walton, I applaud them.

“Some people want to keep Walton as it was when they were in little trousers and grey ankle socks.

“I’m disappointed at the negativity emanating from certain individuals.”

Tendring’s commercialisation boss Nick Turner, who is working on the scheme, declared it is “achievable and affordable”.

He said: “It’s time for a refurb. We know Walton needs regeneration and this is part of the regeneration package.

“I want it to go ahead because the money is there and has been allocated for it.”