Cash-strapped Castle Point Council is to spend up to £24,000 a year on a "spin doctor" to improve its image.

A media officer post has been created by the borough council and the recruitment process is currently under way.

Councillors have branded the move a "disgrace" and are calling for the council to rethink.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said: "This is a classic case of an authority employing a spin doctor to make up good news where there is none.

"The council is so cash-strapped they've had to shut public toilets yet they've got money to spend on a public relations person.

"It's a total disgrace - that money should be used for the community."

The post would be part funded by Essex County Council for the next three years.

The county council will be forking out 75 per cent of the costs in the first year and borough council bosses have denied the new post will deprive residents of cash which could be spent on their leisure facilities or public services.

But borough secretary John Waugh added a large part of the new media officer's job would be to make the council look good.

He added: "They will work to improve the public image of the authority and show the council in a good light.

"There are a lot of good things the authority does, but these are often hidden by bad news and their job will involve bringing these positive things to the fore."