Salaried town crier an "unnecessary extravagance", warn Liberal Democrats

7.42.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 12th Nov 2007

Local Liberal Democrats want a town crier position to be filled by volunteers rather than a paid council employee

Employing someone to work as a town crier in Kettering would be an extravagance, Liberal Democrats have warned, as the Conservative-run Kettering Borough Council prepares to consider the proposal at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening. Lib Dems have called for the post to be filled by volunteers.

The proposal originates from Conservative Larry Henson, who sits as chairman of the Borough Council's policy and improvement committee. Several options are being considered.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Chris Nelson commented:

"Having a town crier might well brighten up the town centre, but to use taxpayers' money to employ someone simply to follow the mayor around wherever he or she goes - as Cllr. Henson has suggested a town crier would do - would be an unnecessary extravagance at a time when the council faces an uncertain financial future."

"Just over a month ago local government leaders warned that next year's grant from the government will leave councils with significant shortfalls that sooner or later will have to be filled. Rather than risk having to further raise the council tax or make cuts elsewhere when the council next has to balance its books, Kettering Conservatives should remember the promises they made to local people at election time and leave this job to volunteers."

ENDS