SWINDON Council has forked out £500 on a tablecloth in a bid to improve its image.
The "logo cloth", pictured right, which was paid for out of mayoral funds, will be used to brand presentations and press conferences to help communicate the council's message.
The nine-foot long burgundy-coloured cloth with braided tassels, features the town's coat of arms and the words "Swindon Borough Council" embroidered on one side. The coat of arms includes images of a train and a wheel and the Latin phrase Salubritas et Industria, which translates as Celebrating Industry.
The cloth was due to have its first outing at last night's annual civic dinner at the Blunsdon House Hotel.
Defending the decision to spend taxpayers' money on the cloth, a council spokesman said: "We have been criticised by Government inspectors in the past for not communicating effectively and not branding Swindon Borough Council.
"The council has 8,000 staff but it has never had a presentation cloth.
"It will be used at planning inquiries, mayoral events, and will be available to every single council department. It will be well used."
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