Wirral council bosses have been warned that they must look again at plans to blow almost £250, 000 on a “town hall Pravda”.
The council has been exploring the opportunity to use part of its current advertising budget for a new monthly publication to be delivered to homes and businesses across the Wirral.
The Labour-run authority admitted that a new approach was needed after a survey showed six out of ten residents do not feel well informed about local services.
However the current suggested monthly newsletter goes against government guidance on council publications.
The proposals will now be revisited after Wirral Conservatives demanded a rethink.
Wallasey Tory councillor Ian Lewis said: “It beggars belief that a town hall that never ceases to complain it is ‘cash strapped’ can, miraculously, find almost £250,000 to splash out on a newspaper.
“If it’s a choice between more publicity and spin from the town hall or fixing the street lights, pot holes or play grounds in Wallasey, this money should be used on services that people need.”
Wirral council bosses say the newspaper will be paid for from the current advertising budget and there will be no extra cost to council tax-payers.