Laptop computers are to be given to every elected member of Eastbourne Borough Council at a cost of £50,000.

Councillors voted to push forward the proposal by councillor Bob Lacey.

But opposition councillor Bert Leggett said the plan sent the wrong signal to the public, particularly in light of the closure of Old Town library.

Coun Leggett said: "It's talking about perks and comforts for councillors.

"I'm sure some good will come out of it but I think the number of residents who contact their councillor through email must be infinitesimally small.

"I think it's premature and I think there are a lot more services we should be spending money on."

Chairman of the Friends of Old Town Library Pam Carter said: "I can't believe it. It's outrageous."

The group's appeal to the council for £25,000 to keep the library open was rejected earlier this year and the library closed on March 28.

All 27 councillors could receive laptops as part of the Government's drive to bring councils online.

Council deputy leader Bob Lacey said: "The Government gave us £200,000 for this proposal and £50,000 will be spent towards laptops.

"It's in recognition of the fact that we have a more efficient council than before. We have reduced the number of councillors from 30 to 27 and even introduced a web site.

"Most councillors will use their computers for email correspondence and reading all the council reports. We will save so much in paper by not having to print off every report.

"The rest of the money will be spent in this area. We would like to see terminals in shopping centres, council buildings and sheltered accommodation, so people can ask questions directly to the correct officer and hopefully get back a positive response."