Peter Murphy was accused of selling the town short as councillors voted to go ahead with the regeneration of the seafront at a cost of more than £1 million.

Councillor Helen Oswald had proposed an amendment calling for Angus Council to break with policy and allow interest to accrue on almost £1.5 million made from the sale of the site of the former Dalhousie clubhouse. She said it could bring an extra £112,000 to the project.

However, the amendment was defeated 14-12, with Councillor Murphy voting against.

He said he was happy to welcome the report (prepared by infrastructure services director, Eric Lowson, and neighbourhood services director, Ron Ashton] as it stood.

He added that he looked forward to the proposals being implemented as soon as possible, as did everyone in Carnoustie.

Councillor Murphy said he had had a preview of the plans and was impressed with what was on offer.

Afterwards, Councillor Oswald commented: "I am absolutely astonished that Councillor Murphy, a Carnoustie member, could vote against this.

"He clearly has little or no influence on the Angus Alliance to sell Carnoustie short like this."