SOUTHEND mayor’s mansion is to undergo a £200,000 revamp at the taxpayer’s expense – just three years after a £250,000 spend.

Councillors approved plans to restore parts of the mayor’s civic mansion, Porters, and Macebearer’s Cottage.

The council plans to re-roof and carrying out repairs to the cottage at the site in Southchurch Road, Southend, and will also repair panelling in Porters itself.

Heaters will also be altered while floors, panels and partitions will be repaired and a new ventilation system and outside lighting will be added.

Campaigners fighting cuts to libraries and care homes criticised the authority for spending so much while axing other services.

But councillors insist the authority has a duty to look after the 16th century house, which is a Grade II listed building.

Mike Assenheim said: “If we don’t do this we will regret it for years to come.”