GAZETTE & HERALD: IT'S a case of tradition versus modernity in Chippenham as the town council tries to decide whether to ditch its ceremonial robes.

The navy blue robes and hats worn by councillors when performing civic and ceremonial duties have caused such a stir they could be lost forever.

Town councillors are to ask the public for their views about scrapping the traditional costumes.

The idea came from Coun Andrew Noblet, who questioned the need for formal attire at a meeting last week.

He said: "I remember having to sign a cheque for a hat which cost £267. It's a lot of money."

Coun Philip Alnatt agreed, saying: "I want to be sensitive to people who like seeing the mayor in red and chains, but it doesn't turn me on. In fact all that pomp and circumstance is a real turn off."

Town clerk Laurie Brown said the council spent £700 a year on replacing a gown or hat, but several may need replacing in the next few years.

Councillors usually wear ceremonial robes only four times a year, at the mayor making ceremony in May, Civic Sunday in September, Remembrance Sunday and last Sunday's service celebrating the birthday of St Paul.

Coun Scott Williams pointed out that the cost equated to £162 per

ceremony.

He said if the money were to be knocked off next year's budget, the rise in council tax would be 6.69 per cent instead of 6.75 per cent.

Councillors do not have to wear the robes, although 70 per cent of Chippenham's current town council does.

Coun June Wood said: "This isn't an issue such as holes in the road, it's entirely different. I can remember walking through the town and people not even looking at us wearing them."

But Coun Maureen Lloyd said: "We do look an excellent body of people who represent our town. I think it would be a great shame to see us lose our identity."

Coun Sandie Webb said: "I

believe that when we stand there in our outfits we are doing it for the people of the town not for self-glorification."

Coun Nina Phillips said it was fashionable to abandon traditions such as the robes.

She said: "Why on earth have a heritage centre when we are talking about getting rid of the symbol of our heritage?"

The council is planning to ask people about the gowns via its quarterly newsletter, Talk of the Town, which goes out to 15,000 homes in the area.

Councillors will have a full discussion about whether to keep the ceremonial robes after the consultation period ends.

The tradition of wearing ceremonial robes stretches back hundreds of years, but councillors are only allowed to wear them four times a year.

Rare special occasions, such as last year's Marlborough 800 celebrations, are also occasionally considered worthy of the gowns.

The consultation over the future of town councillors' blue robes will not affect the mayor's right to wear traditional costume. His red gown and hat would still be used.