Conservative-led Essex County Council's plans to launch its own public relations agency with Essex taxpayers' money have been slammed by opponents. Essex County Council plans to appoint up to 11 extra staff who will work alongside the existing 25 strong communications team.

Commenting on the plans Liberal Democrats group leader Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes said: "This is the point where the Conservative administration has finally taken leave of its senses. As if Essex residents were not suffering enough in this financial crisis, they now have to watch their hard earned cash being ploughed into a pet project, likely to end in tears, rather than having it spent on fixing roads or providing services for children or the elderly. Taxpayers' will, of course, pay for all expenditure and will be liable for any losses.

"There is currently an investigation into the council's communications department being undertaken after complaints were made about dishonest and misleading ads placed by the council communications department. The council needs to sort out its own PR. Against that background, it is particularly foolhardy to be contemplating such a venture."