Plans for a new Civic Complex complete with council offices, a theatre and underground car park have come under fire by the town’s Labour representatives.

Tunbridge Wells Labour asked their 780 members to give their opinion on the plans for the costly complex with 68% of them saying they oppose the developments.

A quarter of their members said they supported the proposals while the group cited cuts to public services and financial constraints as to the reason why the plans should be abandoned.

A spokesman said: “At a time when living standards are continuing to fall, there is a housing crisis, homeless and poverty are on the increase, many are facing traffic gridlock and dangerous air pollution, and up to 15 bus services across the borough are set to be cut, we think this is the wrong priority for council spending.

“The project finances are a major cause of concern and look risky. Like many public sector projects the final cost of £90m will almost certainly overshoot and be more.

“Annual mortgage payments of around £2.8m for 50 years will be paid for through council service cuts and increased charges. There will be very little money left to fund other projects to meet the real daily needs of residents.

“As a project totally focused on Tunbridge Wells, paid for by every one living across the borough, there is little of benefit for people living in Paddock Wood, Cranbrook, Hawkhurst and outlying villages. All they have to look forward to is more cuts in their bus services and charges for their garden waste collections.

“An ambitious council would work across the borough with local communities to renew towns and villages that feel treated like second-class citizens. It would collaborate with other partners to invest in housing, new business workspaces, better public transport and infrastructure.

“The Town Hall and Assembly Hall might not be up to scratch but times are difficult. People are living on tight budgets and having to make do. Building costly new civic buildings, with more cuts and charges on the way, seems an extravagance too far.

“The council should look again seriously at the less expensive modernisation of the existing buildings, maybe as part of the forward-looking conversion of the art gallery, library and adult education centre into a £13m Cultural and Learning Hub.

“With creativity and flair these types of renovations can be functional, cost-effective, and attractive.”

Tunbridge Wells Labour are urging the town’s people to express their views ahead of the vote which takes place on Wednesday, December 6.