THE Mayor of Marlborough, Graham Francis, has been challenged to answer a string of questions relating to his handling of arrangements for the town's charter celebrations.

In an open letter to the mayor, copied to the Gazette, town councillor Richard Allen says that he considered the celebrations, which culminated in the visit of Prince Charles and his then companion Camilla Parker-Bowles to the town in June, a success.

But he said questions remained unanswered regarding Coun Francis' actions as chairman of the 2004 sub-committee.

External auditors last month reported that on 12 separate occasions cheques were issued for goods and services without proper orders from the town council.

In posing 15 questions to the mayor, Coun Allen asked Coun Francis to say if he had any relationship with any member of staff of the firm that produced the loss-making souvenir brochure, which the Gazette had offered to produce for free.

Finally he challenged the mayor: "Do you feel that the honourable course of action would be to resign."