AS Romsey’s mayor takes up his chain of office councillors are giving the public a say on having an all powerful directly elected borough mayor.

Under Government rules Test Valley Borough Council must decide by the end of the year whether to put a Boris Johnson or Ken Livingstone-style mayor in charge of civic affairs.

Councillors first want members of the public to take part in a consultation which is due to end on July 16.

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Questionnaires are available on the council’s website and the public can write in with their views.

The borough has had a ceremonial mayor since 1976, but the role is strictly a civic figurehead.

Conservative council leader Ian Carr has already claimed the move would be “too expensive” and put “too much power in one person’s hands”.

It comes as Romsey councillor Mike Curtis returned for a second stint as mayor of the historic town. His first was seven years ago.

Cllr Curtis, who lives in North Baddesley and has worked in the construction industry all his life, pledged his door was always open to the town’s residents.

He said: “If you want me to come along and meet you I will, if you want some help or advice I will do my best for you.”

The mayor’s charities are Triangulate, an organisation set up by Bridget Brook to highlight mental health issues and the stigma attached to the illness and Romsey District Scouts Dr Peter community centre project – a £500,000 scheme to build a new HQ for the district and a home for 1st Romsey Scouts.