A senior Southend councillor has condemned planned cuts to the arts, tourism, special events and marketing team as "leaving Southend devoid of a soul."
Graham Longley, leader of the Liberal Democrat group said the team would be cut from nine to four and turned into a "cultural development team."
He added: "This decimation will mean the town will be left with a gaping hole in the heart of its wish to be the cultural capital of the area."
More in today's Echo
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article