Efforts to bring a drive-thru or open air cinema to Felixstowe have been blasted as a 'complete waste of money'.

Nub News reported earlier in the week how Felixstowe councillors were considering bringing the facility to the resort and approved setting aside funding for the event, at a town council meeting on Wednesday night.

However, during the debate, former mayor Nick Barber said succinctly the cinema plan was a: "Complete waste of money."

He did not elaborate but did add later in the meeting he felt a £10,000 budget to cover the potential cost of the cinema and installing temporary toilets at Landguard, and a new Wicker Family, would be better spent just on the latter project.

Fellow councillors were more positive the cinema drive thru, although there were reservations about where, when and how it would be delivered.

Andy Smith suggested Martello Park would be a more suitable venue, than the Grove car park area, which was mentioned in the Felixstowe Forward report presented by Helen Greengrass.

Kimberley Williams expressed concerns about who would actually organise the event, as Felixstowe Forward was not in a position to deliver that.

Darren Aitchison is in favour but would like to see it over two days, rather than the one day recommended.

Steve Wiles told fellow councillors, a similar screening had been done over four days in twin town Wessel, with that council charging £20 per car.

Steve Gallant was also in favour and said: "It is a good idea and it would get people out in the fresh air."

He suggested reaching out to experienced events' organisers, such as the group that puts together the Felixstowe Carnival.

Cllr Gallant proposed approved setting aside the £10,00 for the Finance and Governance Committee to make final approval on expenditure for the three ideas discussed – cinema, toilets and Wicker family.