GWYNEDD Council has been roasted by an outraged councillor after the cash-strapped council splurged £1,400 on a new luxury coffee machine.

The state-of-the-art Matrix Mini Magnum drinks machine is situated in the Penarlag offices in Dolgellau, the same town which has been hammered by closures.

Dolgellau has recently lost its tourist office, salt bins, magistrates court, custody cells and its golf club.

Although the county council was not responsible for many of those provisions, the axing of services are said to show the tough times the town has faced.

Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Churchman, who represents Dolbenmaen, was shocked by the costs involved with the coffee machine.

“In the current financial situation, where the council is making huge budget cuts to public services, the decision to spend £1,400 on a coffee machine for hospitality is questionable at the very least,” the perturbed councillor told the Cambrian News.

“If the council is considering any new coffee machines, consideration should be given to coin operated vending machines, that at least cover the cost of the consumables.

“£1,400 for the machine is just the tip of the iceberg, consumables will mean ongoing costs incurred by the council when we are slashing budgets for every service provided by the council.”

Dolgellau county councillor, Dyfrig Siencyn, defended the purchase of the coffee machine, saying: “If Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau is to remain an important meeting facility for mid Wales it is vital that a basic hot drinks facility is provided. People often travel long distances to attend such regional meetings and expect basic refreshments.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “The building is used by a range of external organisations such as local health boards and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency.

“It is important that we provide standard facilities for those who use our meeting rooms. That is why a self-service machine has been bought for £1,400 by the council’s property service, and is now available for people who visit Cae Penarlâg to attend meetings.”