A council has been criticised after spending more than £90,000 "covering a roundabout in sand" as part of a city improvement project.
One campaigner, Tony Bland, 52, says the revamped Albert Roundabout in Colchester, Essex looks like a "desert island" after its topsoil was replaced with sand.
The topsoil was replaced to prevent weeds growing as part of a project intended to improve visitors' first impressions of Colchester when arriving by train.
But Mr Bland, a property manager, said the cost of £93,334 was "exceptionally high" after it was revealed through a freedom of information request by Sir Bob Russell, the high steward of Colchester who was previously the city's MP.
Setting up camp on the roundabout in protest of its new look, Mr Bland said: "It was a perfectly serviceable roundabout and the money paid here to cover it in sand is exceptionally high.
"The rest of the area is still quite drab - it's like putting lipstick on something. The rest of it still looks bad but we've slapped something on."
He said the roundabout had been compared to a "cat's litter tray" and "desert island" by other locals.
Planters near the roundabout with already established mature grasses were also replaced with sand before putting new plants in, he added.
"They really do look like litter trays."
The project was carried out by Beth Chatto Gardens, and funded by Essex county council, Colchester council and the rail operator Greater Anglia.
Mr Bland said there had been a "sense of frustration and apathy" over "council activities like this which are being pushed onto people in the town and council taxpayers".
He said: "The council say they have no money and yet they've got the funds allocated to a project like this.
"It is hugely frustrating."
A spokesman for Colchester council said that the planting for the roundabout is in its "early stages" and its "full impact will only become evident after a couple of summer growing seasons".
The spokesman said: "The Albert Roundabout redevelopment is a key element of the long-term Fixing the Link initiative.
"This project has been ongoing for nearly nine years, with extensive public updates and involvement at every stage.
"These funds were specifically allocated for the Fixing the Link initiative and cannot legally or practically be redirected to other projects or services, such as park toilet maintenance or weir repairs."
The spokesman added: "It is too early to draw final conclusions about the roundabout's overall aesthetic or ecological contributions.
"As we progress with initiatives like Fixing the Link, we are committed to transparency, value for public funds, and ensuring Colchester remains a vibrant and attractive city for residents and visitors alike."