A ROW has broken out between Stourport town councillors after it was agreed that almost £2,500 should be spent on ceremonial robes for members.

Conservative councillors have been discussing the plans for the past two years as a way of distinguishing representatives at official occasions.

It was agreed, by eight votes to five, at a heated meeting earlier this month that the cash should be set aside for the 17 robes, one for each member except the Mayor.

Labour councillor, Don Giles, voted against the proposals and said the money would be better spent on helping charities and town projects.

He explained: "When I first read about this on the agenda before the meeting my immediate thought was about the cost.

"The interesting thing was that although it was a Conservative idea not one councillor from that side spoke.

"We are a relatively new council and if money could be found from a benefactor for the robes then that would be a different story. Another point raised was that we want to be viewed as a forward thinking council. This is more a link to the past."

The council has never owned such garments before. Each robe, costing about £140, would be embroidered with the town's coat of arms.

Mike Salter, a Conservative councillor and the town's Deputy Mayor, believed the outfits would add "gravitas" to the members at official functions.

The 70-year-old, who also sits on Wyre Forest District Council, said: "I know some people say that we should be moving away from tradition but it is nice to have a little bit of dignity and pride.

"I know the amount may sound a lot but the robes will cost each household in the town about £2.40."