COUNCILLORS will sit down for a meeting on Friday to think the unthinkable - the abolition of the city's mayor!

The radical idea has been suggested by none other than Cllr Ian Barker who is in line to take up the post next year.

In the wake of last week's mayoral parking ticket and with concern increasing over the £60,000 cost to replace the mayoral limousine - some councillors have asked if we need a mayor in the 21st century.

The post has existed in Lancaster since 1338 and duties include presiding over full council meetings and, as the first citizen, acting as a focal point in times of crisis, tragedy or triumph.

The cost of the mayoral office is approximately £30,000 a year and more than 400 invitations are made each year from organisations wanting the mayor to attend their functions.

If the office of mayor was abolished the council would still have to appoint a chairman and vice-chairman to conduct civic duties.

Cllr Barker was unavailable to comment on his ideas to scrap the mayoralty but other councillors were keen to offer their opinions.

Former mayor, Cllr Shirley Burns, said: "I think I speak for all Independent councillors when I say that we should definitely keep the mayor. It would be a disaster if we abolished it. It's part of our tradition, one which is envied by other countries and, having been mayor, it's a great honour to represent the city and district and also meet so many interesting people."

Cllr Jon Barry said: "Although I'm not exactly a big fan of the mayoral role I have seen first hand how popular it is at functions and events, especially with elderly people. Having said that I don't see the need to spend £60,000 on a new limousine and I'm sure we could make savings on the vast civic entertainment budget."

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