AN illuminated publicity sign outside a church has sparked an unholy row after councillors claimed it broke strict planning rules.

Frinton Free Church put in a retrospective planning application for illuminated poster display case outside the building in Connaught Avenue.

The aluminium LED backlit case is more than 4ft high and 3ft wide.

Church leaders hoped it would shine like a beacon and attract more people to services.

But critics on the town council claimed it is breaking the rules which prevent shops on Connaught Avenue from having illuminated signs.

Frinton councillor Vanda Watling said: “I think it’s disgraceful. Why do they want it illuminated?

“Seriously, the people interested in going to the church will be going to the church – they don’t need advertising.

“I don’t think that’s what we want in Connaught Avenue.”

But other councillors backed the application.

Terry Allen said: “This is an information panel for those who haven’t seen the light yet. There’s a lot more Christians out there, and it’s a Christian country.”

Delyth Miles added: “This church does an awful lot of good for the area.”

Church spokesman Mark Betteridge said the sign was designed to publicise service times, sermons and events such as music performances to the community.

He said it would be lit at night, but could be turned off if it proved controversial.

He said: “Our preference is to illuminate it, but if it sets a precedent the council don’t want, then we’ll simply unplug it.

“As a church we want more people to come in because everyone is welcome. It’s all too easy for churches to be seen as this closed community so it’s advertising information to people who are interested and would like to join us.”

The town council approved the application by nine votes to five, but Tendring Council has the final say.