A DECISION to spend £86,000 on a Welcome to Bournemouth sign has been labelled an extravagant “flight of fancy”.

A row has broken out over the illuminated 3D sign that will be hoisted above the A338 Spur Road this summer.

The £86,000 taxpayer-funded sign is supported by tourism representatives and hoteliers, who claim it will give a “high impact welcome” to millions of tourists.

But Labour leader Cllr Ben Grower said it was a waste of money, especially as it coincided with the closure of the Dorset Enterprises factory, which employed disabled workers, and the introduction of controversial benefit changes.

“The decision to spend this money on a flight of fancy shows where Tory priorities lie – clearly not in the interests of our local families,” he said. “It shows a total lack of understanding of the plight of the poor from the Tory cabinet member responsible for this obscene expenditure.”

But Cllr Rod Cooper, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said the sign was a “long-term investment” that would enhance the tourist industry.

“It is an initiative that we have been working with key industry representatives on for a long time, and they are in full support of a gateway welcome to Bournemouth – something many other tourist resorts invest in,” said the councillor.

Mike Francis MBD, president of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, agreed: “The sign on the existing bridge will give a high impact welcome to the millions arriving by car and coach along the A338, the main gateway to Bournemouth,” he said.

“It not only demonstrates that we value the large contribution tourism makes to the local economy but also shows how proud we are of our town.”

Paul Clarke, chairman of the Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association, praised the council’s “forward-thinking approach”.

“The industry has for a long time wanted the council to provide a welcome at our borough boundary that reflects the significance of Bournemouth as one of the UK’s premier resorts,” he said.