FREEBIE-grabbing councillors were criticised by fellow town leaders.

Opposition councillor Brian Johnson tried to shame cabinet members who treated themselves to free VIP tickets at the Clacton Air Show.

In the past councillors have paid for their own tickets but this year, cabinet members gave themselves 12 free VIP tickets including a meal, with a total value of £480.

Mr Johnson spent Thursday protesting in Clacton town centre with a sign reading: “More freebies.

“MPs, lords, council leaders and TDC help themselves to free admission and lunch at ratepayers expense today.

“What next while you struggle and they cut back all TDC services?

“Shame on them.”

Mr Johnson claimed his protest had been applauded by residents who thanked him for taking a stand.

He said: “I think it is pretty disgusting.

“They should be setting an example.”

And he added that after the recent expenses scandals, it was an unwise decision on the part of the administration.

He said: “The public are dead against it, they are absolutely sick of it. One man said to me that it never stops. They have all been shown up and they are coming back for more.”

His wife and fellow Tendring Councillor Iris Johnson said: “I totally agree with what he is doing and I support him all the way. People think they can just ride roughshod over residents as councillors.

“They are representing the residents and they should be setting an example, not free-loading.”

Roy Smith, who joined the protest, said the stance taken by Conservative councillors “goes against the grain”.

Cabinet members hit back, saying they needed to be present at their own event.

And Peter Halliday was “totally comfortable” with taking the £40 ticket.

He said: “I can justify the tickets because I am going in my capacity as finance officer.

“I have never been to the air show before – I am only going as I am a councillor and I want to see how it works and that it is doing what it should be doing.”

And he added: “I shan’t eat the food.

“It is a corporate event where we are entertaining our sponsors. It is the way it works.

“It has never been my cup of tea going for a nosh-up. It is laid on for the guests.”

Nigel Brown, the communications manager for Tendring Council, said: “Everybody has a right to their own opinions, and we have no problem with anybody making a peaceful protest.

“We would not try to stop anybody’s freedom of speech.”