Opposition councillors have criticised Watford Borough for forking out more than £11,000 on a demonstration by celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager at the opening of New Watford Market.

The council paid Shrager £11,400 to perform a series of short cooking demonstrations in The Parade at the official launch in October, including how to cook crispy duck and chiffonade a cabbage.

But councillors say it's an "astonishing, shocking" sum and was not good value for money for taxpayers.

Nigel Bell, Labour group leader on Watford Borough Council, said Shrager's appearance in The Parade would not have increased footfall to the new market.

He said: "It sounds like a joke, it's astonishing she's not exactly the biggest star.

"She was out in The Parade doing her demonstration, rather than inside the market. It perhaps could have been good value if she had been set up in the market to get the footfall in there but it hasn't worked in this case.

"For one day, and a few hours of an appearance - it's a lot of money. It doesn't look as if this was money well spent at all.

"A celebrity could have been justified if they had got the footfall. I think many people will be shocked at this figure."

Binta Mehta, Conservative group leader on Watford Borough Council, said Shrager was not the "main pull" to the opening.

She said: "The council should be looking after taxpayers' money. I'm not sure this was an essential use of it.

"What with the payments for the Big Events series, the council is clearly having a push on entertainment spending. But I don't think Rosemary Shrager was the main pull to the opening of New Watford Market.

"I doubt there was much more footfall because of her. I'm sure Dorothy Thornhill had a great time welcoming Ms Shrager, but I'm not sure it was necessary for everyone else in Watford."

But Watford Borough said the resulting press and social media coverage from recruiting Shrager was extensive.

Watford Borough Council said: "Following a major investment in the relocation of our centuries old market, we recruited celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager for the launch event.

"Rosemary drew in crowds on the day and the resultant press and marketing coverage was extensive, including a social media reach of over 370,000 people.

"Early footfall readings are showing that the re-launched market is successful, with figures in line with popular London markets. Do visit if you are in the area - www.newwatfordmarket.com."