THOUSANDS of residents will be asked if Totton should have its own mayor.

Dave Russell, retiring chairman of the town council, said Totton ought to follow the lead of other large parishes and appoint a first citizen. It's the only major New Forest town without one.

Councillor Russell said the community would benefit from the kudos attached to having a mayor. Now the town council will devise the best method of asking Totton's 28,000 residents if the post of council chairman should be upgraded. An article in the council's newsletter is among the ideas under discussion.

Cllr Russell raised the issue at a meeting of the council's policy and resources committee and added: "We are now the only town council in the New Forest that a doesn't have a mayor.

"We have a chairman of the council, but a lot of residents don't understand what that the role entails. They would prefer to see a mayor."

Cllr Russell's suggestion received a mixed reception from fellow members of the committee.

Former council chairman David Harrison said: "If you stopped people in the street and asked them if Totton should have a mayor, some would be enthusiastic and some would be horrified, especially if it involved someone wearing a gold chain and travelling around in a chauffeur-driven limo.

"A mayor can be a useful figurehead and it could be done at minimal cost, but my instinct is to let the people decide."

Councillor Di Brooks pointed out that New Forest District Council, the largest local authority in the area, was quite content to have a chairman.

Cllr Russell's remarks have re-opened a long debate, which began in the early 60s when residents said Totton should follow the example set by near neighbour Romsey and appoint a mayor.

Since then, Ringwood, Fordingbridge and New Milton have all joined Lymington in electing a first citizen each year.