PLANS for a controversial sculpture branded a “phallic symbol” have been criticised by councillors who questioned why cash from developers was used to fund the project.

Southend’s Focal Point Gallery was given the go-ahead by the council’s development control committee to create another ‘Made from this land’ sculpture on the pavement at the Lynton Road junction with Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay.

The brick and shingle column, together with the other sculptures in the collection, will map out a walking tour of the historical brick fields of Southchurch.

But a row is brewing over the sculpture with councillors in disagreement over how the money was spent.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, opposition councillors called into question the use of Section 106 money, handed over by developers and usually earmarked for community or infrastructure projects.

Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative Group, said the money could have gone towards new schemes in Shoebury Park or to make the Campfield Road and Ness Road junction safer.

He added: “Essentially this is a council planning application. It’s a council project and its had no oversight. We used to have a report on what was being considered for use of S106, and where it was going. That hasn’t happened for some time.”

Ron Woodley, councillor for Thorpe Ward, supported the Conservatives.

He said: “The original position for this piece of art was on the south side of Thorpe Esplanade, not on the north side, so why was position of this sculpture moved?

“The artist wanted it on the south side of Thorpe Esplanade that was the original position officers decided to move it and what we’ve got now is a phallic symbol outside a 90-year-old widow’s home.”

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment, tourism and culture, said: “It was chosen from several submissions by the Focal Point Gallery, not the planning team.

“This is a long establish procedure where Focal Point deliver public art from Section 106 agreements. It is a very common thing to apply a public art contribution.”

A motion asking cabinet to look at how S106 money is spent was carried.