A COUNCIL leader has admitted £50,000 earmarked to celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday may be "over the top".

Dartford Council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite was forced to reconsider the allocated budget for the June event at a budget meeting last week.

The "excessive" amount was challenged by Labour leader Councillor John Muckle, who wanted £16,000 to be given to the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Cllr Muckle proposed the idea as a budget amendment but was outvoted by 20 to 14.

But his questioning provoked Cllr Kite to say he would look at the situation.

The cash will be used to hold street parties similar to those for the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

Parish councils will get £1,000 to hold their own events and money will be ploughed into a singing competition between the borough's schools.

Cllr Kite said: "Talking to other members I feel maybe we've gone over the top.

"We need to discuss it and will make cuts if we need to. If it's too much, it's too much.

"It's about giving residents a chance to celebrate and uplift the town. It will bring the community together."

He added: "We did the same thing last year for VE Day with street parties, re-enactments and fireworks.

"I remember the Silver Jubilee 25 years ago.

"Why should we deprive children of similar memories?"

The council spent £70,000 on celebrating VE Day last year.

Cllr Muckle was pleased cutbacks will be considered.

He said: "The amount is excessive and I was disappointed it will not be given to the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

"None of the voluntary sector groups we support were given more money this year, not even enough to cover inflation costs."

He added: "I want a celebration but will be interested to see how they plan to spend this money. It should be less and hopefully it will be."

The council is also planning to cut its staff budget by £250,000 and its environmental services budget by £188,000.

The Queen last visited Dartford in October 1991 to officially open the QE2 bridge.