TV designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has been blasted over his "naff" designs for Blackpool's iconic illuminations."

The ex-Changing Rooms star, 60, has been paid to oversee the creation of the illuminated displays along the resort's six-mile-long promenade since 2010.

But this year the flamboyant celebrity has been criticised for some of his own designs which have been described as 'naff' and 'vanity' projects.

These include three artworks - one called 'Lusch Puppy' which Bowen describes as a "tribute to his beloved dogs"."

The image show pampered pooches as aristocratic icons, according to the Visit Blackpool website.

Another called 'Guardians of the North' depicting "three fire-breathing dragons inspired by "Lancashire's deep-rooted myths and legends"."

A third - still under construction - called 'Space Canopy'-

is a "light inspired by the bright trails of stars and satellites moving across the night sky" that stands 11.2 metres tall."

The designs have came under fire from the leader of Blackpool Conservative Group of Councillors, Paul Galley.

He said taxpayers money has been wasted on his 'vanity projects'.

At council meeting Cllr Galley said: "Blackpool residents are angry - and rightly so."

"Money that should have been used to bring colour, energy and excitement back to our world-famous Illuminations has instead been squandered on a vanity project."

"The ‘artistic' light installations designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, including dogs in clothing, have left residents baffled, disappointed and, frankly, insulted."

"This is not what Blackpool asked for. It's not what Blackpool stands for."

"Our Illuminations have always been about joy, spectacle, movement and colour — not self-indulgent ‘art' pieces that mean nothing to local people or our visitors."

"At a time when every penny of council spending is under scrutiny, the decision to pour money into such disconnected, elitist artwork is nothing short of scandalous."

Llewelyn-Bowen hit back at the councillors comments calling him "out of touch"."

He told the BBC: "I've always ensured that we keep the heritage as part of the display, I think that's a very important commitment to the legacy, but I love the idea of moving forward."

"We are different people now and I think it's funny that he (Mr Galley) thinks we should keep the clock turned back."

"I've strived right the way through my tenure to make sure we are embracing modern technology and I absolutely think the illuminations should always reflect the fact that all of us have different tastes."

"To me that's absolutely what Blackpool Illuminations has always been about - it's about scale, it's about fun."

"By all means I think we should all say what we feel about things, I'll always listen, but I think the Illuminations are in a good place at the moment, they're there to be enjoyed."

Cllr Galley hit back at the TV star saying they "should reflect Blackpool, not one individual's taste"."

"Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen says I'm ‘out of touch' for questioning his illuminations. "

"If standing up for Blackpool residents and visitors makes me out of touch, I'll wear that badge proudly, unlike dogs in dresses, which many feel belong on a fashion catwalk, not the Promenade."

"Laurence tells us ‘we should all say what we feel, I'll always listen', before immediately declaring that the illuminations are ‘in a good place at the moment'."

"That doesn't look much like listening, it looks like shutting the conversation down the moment someone disagrees."

"More importantly, who exactly gave Mr Llewelyn-Bowen the autonomy to decide what Blackpool Illuminations should be."

"His comments raise serious questions about governance and decision-making within this Labour-run council department. "

"The Illuminations are not a personal art exhibition they are a public attraction, paid for by taxpayers, and they should reflect Blackpool, not one individual's taste."

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council,

came to the defence of the TV star.

She said: "I and millions of others disagree with Cllr Galley. "

"He hasn't made known to me or anyone at the Council of anyone who holds these views, other than himself."

"I choose to promote Blackpool and our illuminations. "

"People travel from all over to see them and we should be proud of Blackpool's role in British culture - the history of the illuminations is innovation, entertainment and artistry."

Blackpool Council pays Llewelyn-Bowen a small annual retainer but the amount is "commercially confidential"."

They said they "do not pay for any of his designs or any royalty of any kind for the designs" and that "they are all gifted to us as part of our long term relationship"."

Though they do use taxpayers' money to build, install, and maintain the illuminations from his designs.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has been approached for further comment.

The illuminations have been lighting up the iconic seaside town since 1879 with visitors at the time calling them ‘artificial sunshine'.