COUNCILLORS clashed over plans to throw a celebration for the borough that could cost up to half a million pounds.

Southend Council’s Place Scrutiny Committee approved plans to mark the borough’s 125th anniversary and Priory Park’s centenary next year with celebrations that could cost as much as £580,000.

The celebrations will involve a pageant to re-enact historical events as well as the installation of the iconic ceramic poppy sculpture, Wave.

The sculpture, which once graced the Tower of London in memory of the fallen from two world wars, will take up £300,000 of the costs and will be installed on Barge Pier on Shoebury seafront from April 12 to June 25.

But in a time of devastating cuts to local councils’ funding, some members felt it is inappropriate to spend that much money.

Labour councillor for Victoria Ward Ian Gilbert, who went on record against the plans, said: “I feel fundamentally that £580,000 is too much. I’m not against celebrations at all. I just don’t think can afford to spend that.

“We don’t know what is going to be in the budget next year and we will have to make some very difficult decisions and I suspect we will wish that we had that money for things that are more crucial.”

But Ann Holland, councillor for culture, economy and tourism, feels the celebrations will bring many positives to the area.

She said: “This is a one-off event. There are no ongoing costs. A large majority of the cost is for the poppies which no one is opposed to. The poppies are a fitting acknowledgement of the role Shoebury played in the wars and it will put us on the national and international map.

“The celebrations will also help to boost the economy and bring a bit of positive community cohesion.”

The plans were approved and noted by full council.