The leader of Burntwood Town Council has defended a decision to buy new civic chains – and branded criticism of the move as “ludicrous”.
A new consort’s chain was approved with an 11-6 majority at a meeting of the authority earlier this week.
The plans had previously been branded “a vanity project” by local Labour councillor Sue Woodward.
But Cllr Richard Mosson, leader of Burntwood Town Council, said the new items were necessary to ensure the area was represented correctly on the civic stage.
“This is a one off purchase which will allow the consort of the chairman to be recognised at civic functions,” he told LichfieldLive.
“The recommendation, which was passed, is a purchase of £530, which was significantly cheaper than the price provided by the jeweller who had previously undertaken work for the council. The chosen company is a local one from Lichfield.
“A council representing almost 30,000 people surely deserves its chairman and consort to appear well presented at civic functions?”
Cllr Woodward’s criticism had come following a review by neighbouring Lichfield District Council which had called for a reduction in the cost of the civic function.
But Cllr Mosson insisted the purchase was not an excessive one.
“Many other local district and parish councils have a badge for their consorts, including our nearest and dearest neighbours at Lichfield City Council,” he said.
“The consort’s badge will be in service for many, many years, therefore the true cost will be spread over a significant period of time. It will always retain value and should be recognised as an asset and not a wasted purchase.
“The Labour group in Burntwood are out of touch and out of date as far as I’m concerned – this ridiculous statement regarding the consort’s badge clearly proves this.”
