Councillors in Westbury have caused outrage after agreeing to pay more than £1,000 for a new mayoral chain.

Westbury Town Council’s decision to buy the new chain was passed after five councillors voted in favour with two against and one abstention at a meeting at The Laverton on Monday night.

Mayor Christine Mitchell said the 1960s chain has become too heavy and unwieldy, so will be replaced with a new £1,285.21 chain.

The old chain will be going on display in The Laverton.

Cllr Mitchell said: “Since May last year I’ve been to more than 50 public functions not including town council meetings and I’ve still got more engagements this year.

“The links aren’t soldered and quite often come apart. It’s becoming mis-shapen and it’s very heavy, unwieldy.

“It’s broken during public functions before and the repair bill last year was in excess of £300. That won’t change unless we do something.

“It’s a beautiful chain and part of our heritage so it should be on display for people to see.”

Town clerk Keith Harvey likened the new chain to a masonic collar, describing it as lighter and more user-friendly.

“It’s much easier to use and there shouldn’t need any repair costs,” he said.

“If the next chain lasts 50 years it will only work out as £25 a year.

“It’s a short term cost for a long term saving.

“We had other quotes for more than £1,400 and £1,700 so this is the cheaper option.

“This has taken several months of investigation, it’s not just been a five-minute decision.”

Former mayor Charlie Finbow, who resigned from the town council in February last year, believes the replacement is a waste of money.

He said: “May I register my total disgust at the decision by Westbury Town Council to spend a vast amount of taxpayers money to replace the magnificent current mayoral chain because it is too heavy and unwieldy.

“This is lunacy of Biblical proportions in these times of financial hardship, especially as they, the Town Council, voted not to increase the precept during these times.

“Speaking as someone who proudly wore the current chain during my mayoral year on more than 130 occasions, I never once found it heavy or unwieldy.

“It was an honour to wear such a magnificent piece of civic regalia.”

Cllr Mike Cuthbert-Murray, who voted against the motion to replace the chain, added: “I’m appalled that such an issue should come onto the agenda let alone be passed in these times of hardship being felt within our community.

“I, with Councillor David Tout, fought against this motion with vigour and powerful argument but common sense was defeated.

“I urge the public to let their councillors know their thoughts on this issue and attend the next full council meeting on March 7.”