A Suffolk market town council has put a question to its residents to see whether they want a mayor for the town.

Halesworth Town Council have looked at the option to allow people living in the town to share their views on whether the change from having a chairman to a mayor, and has set up a survey on its website for people to have their say.

Annette Dunning, chairman of the council said: “A lot of people had been talking about it, but no one had debated it.

“It shouldn’t make us behave any differently, we should still behave as a leader of any other council would.

“It’s not any more important but it’s how we as a town reflect our town out in the rest of the community of Suffolk.

“It’s all about the promotion of our town.”

The topic of whether the town should have a mayor was last debated in around 2006.

The introduction to the survey says: “There are no additional powers associated with a mayor over a chairman however the title of mayor enables the office holder to wear the traditional robes of office when representing the town at functions, civic events and ceremonies.

“If the response was favourable the town would then have a mayor and deputy mayor. Traditionally a mayor would then adopt a charity and hold functions and events to support their adopted charity. The cost of the robes will be raised independently of the Council and will not be funded by the tax paying residents of the town.”

To take part in the survey, visit www.halesworthtowncouncil.org.uk