The Arts Council has been accused of a "scandalous" waste of public money over a failed £12 million bid to revamp Southend's Cliffs Pavilion.

The body, which hands out cash to good causes, had boosted borough coffers with an £850,000 grant to draw up detailed proposals for the theatre's millennium makeover.

However, shocked council officials were told yesterday that the overall bid for lottery cash to start building work had failed.

In effect, this means the initial grant to Southend Council has been wasted. Furious councillors have vowed to contact local MPs in a bid to lobby Government ministers over the "disgusting" decision.

The town's policy committee was also told last night that Arts Council officials didn't even assess the final bid for the Cliffs before making a decision.

Leisure services chairman, councillor David Elf (Lib Dem, Prittlewell), fired the first broadside at the Arts Council.

He fumed: "This is an appalling waste of public money. The fact that it does not want to progress our plan at this time is very extraordinary and quite scandalous.

"It is simply unbelievable that the Arts Council gives us the money to work up proposals, and then fails to support them."

Mr Elf paid tribute to council officers for their tireless work in drawing up the bid, only to see it disappear before their eyes.

Tory councillor Howard Briggs (Con, Belfairs), said too much cash was being given to the "establishment" at the expense of regional arts projects.

He branded the Arts Council's decision as an "absolute disgrace."

Councillor Roger Crisp (Lab, Victoria) urged officials to contact other authorities to find out if they had been snubbed by the Arts Council.

He suggested working with them to punch Southend's weight with ministers and civil servants.

Mr Crisp also called for a concerted press campaign to get answers from the Arts Council.

Deputy council leader, Chris Dandridge (Lab, Victoria), added: "This is just beyond belief."

Director of leisure services John Dallaway is now seeking an urgent meeting with the Arts Council to find out why the bid failed.

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