LLANELLI Town Council has spent four times more on refreshments than its rural counterpart.

Figures obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show Llanelli Town Council spent a total of £20,250.87 on food and drink during the past three years — compared with Llanelli Rural Council, which spent £5,367.36.

The town council spent the cash holding functions for councillors and the public, and shelled out £1,674.05 on tea and coffee alone.

The authority also spent £400 on holding a retirement dinner for former clerk Lynn Davies.

A TaxPayers' Alliance spokeswoman said the expenditure was "worrying".

She added: "Taxpayers won't begrudge recognising the work done by volunteers but it is worrying that the town council spent so much on refreshments.

"Local authorities have to find ways to make savings at the moment and splashing out taxpayers' money on expensive functions is insensitive.

"If colleagues and residents feel someone retiring deserves greater recognition, then they can club together to do something special — there's no need for taxpayers to bear the cost."

And town councillor John Jenkins questioned the amount spent by his own council, labelling it "extortionate".

He added: "It doesn't demonstrate that the council is tightening its belt at a time when many of our hard-pressed tax-payers are having to do so.

Llanelli Town Council finance officer Gary Jones said less than one per cent of its annual budget was spent on refreshments last year.

He said the majority of the cash went on mayoral receptions for civic and local organisations which the authority said recognised work done by volunteers.

He said: "The inauguration of the town mayor, which is attended by representatives of other authorities, would be considered the focal point of any council year. As a result, members feel that a reception should be held following the ceremony.

"Whilst undertaking their term of office the mayor invites many organisations to the mayor's parlour as an offer of thanks for all the good work they do and to help promote their fundraising activities.

"The council also promotes Llanelli through town twinning and from time to time hosts visitors."

Llanelli Rural Council leader Giles Morgan said the authority also held ceremonies to thank members of the community.

He added: "We are extremely mindful of being excessive and I'd like to reassure our constituents that every effort is made to be frugal at these events."