SOME community leaders have claimed Wrexham Council could save money by cutting the mayoral department.

The comments were made at a meeting of Rhosddu Community Council when County Cllr Andy Williams – this year’s mayor and also member of the community council – was absent as he was on civic duties.

The council was discussing possible suggestions for savings as part of the Wrexham Council’s ‘Difficult Decisions’ agenda item.

Cllr Steve Gittins said: “The mayor’s department should be cut to save money.

“Everyone I meet or speak to feels the same.”

Cllr Wendy O’Grady agreed. “There is a lot of poverty out there,” she said. “Some are finding it hard to find money for milk and bread and perhaps the department could be cut.”

However Cllr Brenda Roberts said: “I believe in having a civic leader.

“People look forward to a visit from the mayor and mayoress and judging by the press photographs I have a seen, it seems very popular with visiting worthwhile organisations.”

Cllr Bob Chowdhury said: “When I started 30 years ago in local government [Wrexham Council’s treasurer’s department] the mayor was a big thing but over the years changes have taken place at most authorities with made cuts made and it is not the same as it was.”

He added: “The Mayor’s Charity Fund raises a great deal of money for very worthwhile voluntary and other organisations.”

Ex-mayor, County Cllr David Bithell, said it could be a costly personal year for the mayor and mayoress.

“My wife and I had to pay out for things out of our own pockets but it was a very worthwhile year and we were welcomed by the people we visited,” he said.

Ex-mayoress Cllr Mollie Beresford, whose late husband John was mayor many years ago, agreed the role and the expense involved had changed over the years.