LIBERAL Democrats in Teignbridge have joined criticism of the council’s decision to plough £100,000 into a free concert at Powderham Castle.

As part of their response to the Conservative-controlled administration’s budget plans, the Lib Dems have condemned the cash being spent on the Radio 1 Big Weekend planned for May.

The comments come ahead of the debate on the proposed budget on Tuesday next week.

Opposition leader Cllr Gordon Hook said: ‘We believe that this is an extraordinary misuse of public money. At a time of painful cut backs to public services, subsidising a free pop concert is fundamentally wrong.

‘It has been claimed that it will boost the local economy, bring favourable publicity to Teignbridge and encourage our young people to stay in the area rather than leave for employment elsewhere in the country.

‘These reasons just don’t stack up. Exeter is gaining all the publicity and good luck to them but claims that Teignbridge will benefit are laughable.

‘While welcoming the concert to Powderham and hoping everyone has a good time, the public purse should not be subsidising this.

‘We would have spent the £100,000 on a free bus pass scheme for the 16 to 19- year-old age group, helping them to post 16 education, apprenticeships, to first jobs and a better social life, far more worthwhile and with a lasting benefit for many.’

The Lib Dems are also proposing to save £198,000 from Conservative plans and reinvest that sum in what they call ‘priorities for the people’.

This includes investing in various litter prevention measures such as so-called ‘hair nets’ to contain plastic and card in recycling boxes as currently it is being blown around creating more litter. The party also wants to invest in litter clearance of main roads.

Electric charging points in the three main towns of Newton Abbot, Dawlish and Teignmouth and investment in air pollution reduction measures are part of their commitment to the environment and fighting climate change.

A further aim is to invest in housing need.

Cllr Jackie Brodie explained: ‘The Conservatives are cutting the local welfare support scheme. This has provided enormous help to those homeless or threatened with homelessness in our area and we cannot afford to do without it.

‘The most desperate in our community will always be defended by Liberal Democrats and I am delighted that we can provide this help.’

The budget and the proposed Lib Dem amendments will be debated at the next meeting of the full council tomorrow at Forde House, Newton Abbot.