LAND worth up to £4 million could be sold to boost Tendring Council's coffers.

The authority's finance boss has revealed the estimated value of current assets deemed surplus to requirements.

Sites include the Squirrels club in Dovercourt, part of Clacton's Martello coach park, Brightlingsea Sailing Club and the car park at Harwich and Parkeston Football Club.

Holland-on-Sea councillor Joy Broderick contacted finance portfolio holder Robert Bucke to find out how many assets the council has decided it does not need, what they are worth and how the cash will be used.

She is worried car parks in Holland-on-Sea will be sold.

Mr Bucke said: "The council has at various times declared assets to be surplus to requirements and this information is already in the public domain.

"Those which have been identified for sale are fewer in number but include, for example, the Squirrels club.

"Other sites might still be in their original or current use, but it is possible the surplus assets could have a market value of £3 million to £4 million from which to generate capital receipts."

Mr Bucke said the council can use assets to support Tendring Regeneration Ltd, a company it has set up to regenerate the district.

He added there was a lengthy process to sell assets and in some cases a sale might never be achieved.

The council has about 4,000 assets, which include houses, car parks and open space, he continued.

Mrs Broderick was unimpressed with his answers.

She said: "It is not what I asked for. I wanted a list of assets which had been declared surplus to requirements - it was a simple question.

"This is what turns people off politicians."

Mr Bucke said Mrs Broderick could get a list of assets that have been deemed surplus to requirements by e-mailing him with a request.