THE role of Mayor of Vale Royal could continue after the council is scrapped next April – at a cost of £80,000 per year.
Councillors want tax payers to foot the bill for a mayor, deputy mayor, chauffeur and car, even though Vale Royal will no longer exist.
The idea has been attacked by Frodsham Cllr Brian Lloyd – who has not been elected to the new authority.
He said: “I think it’s ridiculous. They would be the Mayor of Nowhere and what is the point of that? We have already got three mayors in Frodsham, Northwich and Winsford.”
Vale Royal borough councillors recommended the proposal for approval at a full council meeting last week.
Cllr Andrew Dawson said: “It’s an insignificant cost in the wider scheme of things. It is a case of civic pride.We have been advised that the Chester Lord Mayorship couldn’t be extended to cover the entire area of Chester and Cheshire West so what do you do with Vale Royal, Ellesmere Port and Neston?
“More than 500 engagements a year would be unrepresented. The mayor is for the good of the borough, the people, the communites and businesses.”
Vale Royal’s recommendations will be heard by Cheshire West and Chester’s shadow executive when they make a final decision next week.
Vale Royal Borough Council mayor Malcom Gaskill said: “I am flabbergasted by the public’s enthusiasm for the mayor.
“It means so much more to people than I ever imagined. People really are genuinely pleased and thrilled when you turn up.”
