ODDS are shortening on a vote being held this year to decide if Great Yarmouth Borough Council should have a directly elected mayor.So far more than 2,700 people have signed petition forms with around another 800 names needed to trigger a referendum on the issue.
ODDS are shortening on a vote being held this year to decide if Great Yarmouth Borough Council should have a directly elected mayor.
So far more than 2,700 people have signed petition forms with around another 800 names needed to trigger a referendum on the issue. Now campaign supporters are optimistic the target will be reached in time for a poll to take place in the autumn.
The petition has been organised by former borough and county councillor Trevor Wainwright and current leader of the Labour group on the borough authority, Michael Castle.
Mr Castle said: “An elected mayor would create more interest in the democratic process, at the moment the council leader is appointed behind closed doors. Although politicians like to think they are well known, most people probably don't know who their councillors are.
“The elected mayor would also take on many of the current ceremonial mayor's duties.”
Anyone wanting to sign the petition should email trevwainwright@btinternet.com or michael.castle50@ntlworld.com.
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