An Isles of Scilly councillor has condemned a decision to bring a piece of wreckage from the HMS Association back to the Islands at a cost of ?20,000.

Cllr Gordon Bilsborough said returning the sternboard of the ship, famously wrecked in 1707, will cost the average taxpayer ?20 per head.

The artefact, which is currently at Penzance Magistrates’ Court, will be displayed in the council chamber.

“Time and time again I have to explain to local people why the roads are not being repaired; why the Town Hall public hall is an utter disgrace and why the Porthcressa promenade keeps flooding when it rains; and then have to inform them that we don’t have the money,? he said.

‘Yet we take ?20,000 out of council’s reserves to acquire an ancient piece of wood.?

The board is due to form part of a commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the disaster to be held on Scilly later this year.

Its return was brought about after negotiations between Penwith and the Islands’ council.

“The cost of acquiring this sternboard equates to ?20 on the council tax of a ‘D’ band property,” said Mr Bilsborough.

“At the risk of being criticised, I am not a Philistine and recognise the historical importance of the artefact, but what do I say to council tax payers when they ask me about the cost, when money is needed for more important local problems’

‘I suggest that those who want this artefact ought to pay for it and not force it on the hard-pressed taxpayers.”

Mr Bilsborough, who was re-elected in 2005, told Members the decision to spend the money should have been made by full council and not just the policy and resources committee.

And he opposed displaying the sternboard in the council chamber, claiming it would not attract tourists as the chamber is locked when not in use.

‘I was disappointed that I received no support from the members of the policy and resources committee who voted six to one to spend the money, but I remain unrepentant,? he told ScillyNews.

‘I have yet to find a member of the public who disagrees with me on this.?

The HMS Association was wrecked along with two other ships off the Gilstone Ledge on October 22 1707 with the loss of about 1,500 men.