A PLAN to provide Liverpool council officials with bullet- proof vests was condemned last night as sending out the wrong message about the city.

Conservative leader David Cameron and Liverpool’s Labour opposition leader Cllr Joe Anderson both hit out at the plan – uncovered by the Daily Post – which would provide licensing officers with bullet-proof protection.

Last night, Liverpool Council defended the decision to order the 10 vests for the officers who inspect pubs, clubs and shops, and said they would not be for everyday use.

The vests, some of which will be designed to be worn underneath clothes, will only be used when situations have been assessed as “risky”, the council insisted.

Mr Cameron told the Daily Post: “I think it sends out a rather strange signal, as there has not been an event to make it necessary.

“I do worry that we are getting into a health and safety culture that goes too far and almost creates problems that we are trying to sort out.”

The Daily Post understands the council ordered the vests, which retail online for around £450, because there have been occasions when licensing officers have been unable to accompany the police on raids because they did not have the vests.

Cllr Anderson said he had been on patrol with Merseyside Police and not worn a bulletproof vest.

“I think this is just a step too far, and absolutely crazy to go ahead with such a thing.

“What is it saying about Liverpool and its image?