Southend's council boss came in for a battering from the town's fish and chip shops today after a cruel parting shot.

George Krawiec branded the town's fish and chips "rubbish" in an interview with a Grimsby newspaper, where he heads next month to take over as chief executive for the North East Lincolnshire Council.

He said: "The fish and chips are rubbish down here. Grimsby does the best fish and chips."

It may have been meant as a light-hearted comment - but Southend seafront cafe operators were quick to defend their reputation.

Ann Prewer, manager of the Neptune Restaurant, in Marine Parade, said: "Everyone who visits Southend wants to have fish and chips and we take pride in the quality of what we do.

"It's very upsetting and hurtful he has snubbed us in this way. He has done well for Southend as a whole but he obviously knows nothing about fish and chips."

She added: "He can come down here with his whole family and eat for free before he goes so he can see how good we are and what he'll be missing out on in Grimsby."

Former Grimsby resident Jamie Dale, who was tucking in at the Royal Fish Bar in the High Street, said: "I lived in Grimsby for six years and I can tell you the fish and chips are much better here.

"Everything is so greasy up there. If you want to put on weight, that's the place to go!"

Mr Krawiec was unavailable for comment.