A ROW has erupted over the cost of the Colchester Oyster Feast to taxpayers.

Former councillor Don Quinn claims council taxpayers have to pay towards the event.

Paul Smith, councillor responsible for finance on Colchester Council, admitted the public purse was used to make up a shortfall in 2009, but said this year’s event would not cost anything.

Mr Quinn, who organised a free oyster festival this year, criticised last month’s official council function.

He said: “After 30 years of asking questions about the costs of this event, I have finally got some of the figures, via the Freedom of Information Act.”

The figures reveal the event lost £1,617.58 last year, which had to be covered from council coffers.

Mr Quinn claimed the indirect costs, such as staff time and administration, could be five times as much.

He added: “Colchester Council is telling me it does not know how much was spent on staff costs.

“I believe the cost of the feast to the town could be as high as £10,000, when all costs are properly calculated.

“It is a matter of opinion as to whether we feel it is good value to feed a small group of people and some celebs.

“What is important is that people are told the truth about the costs, so they can make up their own minds.”

Mr Smith said the council paying towards the 2009 event was an exception and said this year’s event would prove to be self-funding because it was a sellout.

He added: “I have been assured by the mayor we broke even with the ticket costs.

“There can be a cost, if we don’t sell all the tickets, but we sold out this year and had a waiting list.”

He also defended the council after criticism that the indirect costs, such as staff, were not included.

He said: “They are doing things for the Oyster Feast, but alongside other duties.

“There is no one directly employed by the council for the Oyster Feast.

“When it comes to indirect costs, the council does not charge these for any events, although I can appreciate the staff could be doing something else.”