CASH strapped Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council forked out £1,000 towards an advertising campaign in The News of the World.

Now the payment has been condemned as "outrageous" by outspoken political commentator, Brian Silverster.

The former council leader and Tory borough member who now serves on Shavington Parish Council, claims taxpayers' money should not have been spent on the advertising venture.

"This was at a time when pensioners' rail passes were set to be increased by 300 per cent and council tax was forecast to rise by a whopping 20 per cent," he said.

Borough treasurer, David Yates, has defended the payment which he claims has resulted in very positive feedback.

"There has been a good take-up of the offers in individual adverts," he said.

He explained that the News of the World had approached the council to see if it would be interested in Crewe and Nantwich being the regional representative in their national campaign to boost town centres.

"We agreed to pay £1,000 from the Town Centre Promotions budget to get the ball rolling," said Mr Yates.

Several local retailers placed adverts at reduced rates.

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