DROITWICH Town Council may have to pay £5,000 to replace damaged ceremonial mayoral robes.
It comes after a tear was discovered in the clothing when the mayor attended St Richards’ Festival in the traditional attire.
Pam Craney, the Droitwich Town Clerk, said they did not know how or when they were damaged but added they were now looking at whether to have them repaired or not.
The garment, made out of wool and ermine, are only ever worn on civic occasions and were last replaced between 20 and 30 years ago.
Mrs Craney said they had found someone who had offered to make some new robes out of synthetic wool for £2,500.
She added civic robes were all very much the same which did not leave them with much room for manoeuvre.
Mrs Craney said the council had not yet decided on a definite course of action, adding they would see how the robes looked during the next public engagement – the Civic Service at the end of September.
She said they would then, if needed, look into buying new ones, adding the situation would hopefully be completely sorted in time for Remembrance Sunday on November 8.
“The whole kaboosh would be more than that figure – it is quite an ornate site to see the mayor in his full ceremonial robes, and the people like to see it,” Mrs Craney said.
She added the robes were insured but the council did not know if they would make a claim as they were unsure if it would be worthwhile as claims were dependant on the age and maintenance of the garment.
