Row breaks out over Much Wenlock mayor making costs
A row has broken out over the cost of a mayor making service in Shropshire.
New councillor in Much Wenlock, Phil Hipkiss, has called on the old guard to reel in their expenses after claiming that a mayor making service could cost tax payers thousands of pounds.
Mr Hipkiss, who will officially join the new council on May 7, has claimed the event would cost £2,000.
He said he could not see why so much money was being spent on the event when council tax in the town had risen by 24 per cent.
But the town council has denied the event would cost any significant sum.
Mr Hipkiss said: "I am seriously concerned about money spent needlessly by the town council.
"It's exactly the reason why I joined the council. I am very concerned about where the public's money goes.
"There must be better things the council can spend its money on, especially when council tax increases by 24 per cent."
Much Wenlock Town Council's locum clerk, Michael Gledhill, said the council could not reveal how much the service would cost, but denied it would run into thousands of pounds.
He said: "I do not know where Mr Hipkiss has got his figures.
"We do not currently have an overall valuation of the costs but there will be no cost regarding the ceremony itself.
"We will be spending a small amount on refreshments afterwards but we are not talking a banquet."
Mr Gledhill said the mayor making event had been part of a long tradition and formed part of a civil ceremony, which was open to the public.
He said: "I can only go from Mr Hipkiss' previous comments but it would appear he is against the council spending anything.
"He is taking the position of criticising every expenditure. But he will be become a councillor on May 7 and he has every right to question the council's expenditure."
The mayor making service will take place at the Guild Hall, in Much Wenlock, from 6.30pm.
Much Wenlock Town Council is also looking to co-opt two new councillors on to its new council. For more information about becoming a councillor email Mr Gledhill on townclerk@muchwenlocktc.gov.uk
