A GROWING town could have its own mayor by the end of the year if residents give the idea the go-ahead.Kesgrave is now the second largest town in the Suffolk coastal district, with a population of approximately 10,000, and many feel a mayor should be introduced to act as a figurehead.

A GROWING town could have its own mayor by the end of the year if residents give the idea the go-ahead.

Kesgrave is now the second largest town in the Suffolk coastal district, with a population of approximately 10,000, and many feel a mayor should be introduced to act as a figurehead.

The proposals would see the town council's chairman 're-named' as mayor.

Town councillor David Mead put forward the changes at a recent meeting of the council.

He said: "I just feel the time is right. People have got used to the idea of us being a town now and this is the next step.

"We are a bigger town than Woodbridge and, I would like to think, of equal status to Felixstowe.

"A mayor would help to give us an identity."

The mayor would appear at civic functions in the same way the chairman does at the moment and would not have any extra functions.

The proposals were debated by councillors at the meeting but they were unable to reach a definitive decision.

Concerns were raised by some about the extra costs that having a mayor could produce. There were also concerns about confusing people by changing the titles.

Mr Mead dismissed these claims. He said: "We are not intending to cause any expense for residents. We don't want a great big chain or robes. It would be purely and simply a change of name.

"It was something that was in the proposals when we changed to town status in 2000, but it wasn't felt that it would be a suitable change at the time.

"We've moved on now and people are used to us being a town. A mayor would help to cement that identity."

Councillors agreed to defer the matter for six months to give them the chance to consult residents.

The findings will be discussed at the town council's meeting in July.

If you are a resident of Kesgrave and would like to express your views on the subject call Veronica Read at the town council on 01473 625179.

Is a mayor a good idea? Or do you think changing the name is a waste of time? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk