THE borough’s collection of jewels and silverware is to be safeguarded for future generations.
It will pass from the borough council’s hands once the authority is merged with its counterparts in Chester and Vale Royal in April 2009 to a group of "charter trustees" which will be set up.
It is expected these trustees will comprise a group of councillors from this borough, though details are yet to be finalised.
They are also likely to take charge of the civic plate, arms and regalia associated with the old Ellesmere Port Urban District Council.
Similar items relating to the old Neston Rural District Council could either be looked after by the trustees, or passed to the new Neston Parish Council being created.
An inventory of the borough’s civic and ceremonial treasures lists the mayoral, mayoress and deputy mayor’s chains and jewels, the borough mace, mayor and deputy mayor’s robes, eight aldermanic robes, and 23 pieces of civic silver received from local businesses and school children in 1955 to commemorate the incorporation of the borough.
Councillors have also formally decided that the role of the Mayor of Ellesmere Port and Neston will continue, while the Neston Market Charter will be passed to Neston Parish Council.
However, a report on the issue suggests the Freedom of the Borough and the Honorary Aldermen titles bestowed on worthy local dignitaries could be allowed to lapse or, subject to consultation with those concerned, be transferred to the new Cheshire West & Chester Council, and further nominations be considered.
