A CRACKDOWN on the illegal use of Evesham's coat of arms may follow after a request to use it on a tourist mug was made to the town council last week.

Managing director of Bunty's in the High Street, and town councillor John Stych, left the chamber when fellow councillors discussed his request.

He wants to use the Evesham coat of arms on a tourist mug decorated with paintings by local artist Barbara Butcher.

Town clerk, Frank Green explained that the design belonged to the town council and anyone who wished to reproduce it must apply to the council, which was what Coun Stych was doing.

He said Coun Stych had had offered to supply the Almonry Museum with mugs with half of the profits going to the town council.

Councillors agreed to the request in principle but gave delegated powers to the mayor and the town clerk to negotiate the financial details and ensure that the design of the mug was of a high standard.

Coun Diana Raphael said however, "I have seen the Evesham coat of arms on many things around the town - probably without permission - but we would have to take out an injunction to stop it."

Coun Andy Dyke said: "Any illegal use of the town's coat of arms should be stopped."

Mr Green agreed to look into any in-discriminate use locally.