Hetton council mayor foots repair bill after part of the ceremonial chain “snapped off”

Last month (September), Hetton Town Council’s Mayor, councillor Kathleen Pearson, confirmed part of the ceremonial chain had “snapped off.”

Several shocked faces could be seen as the Mayor showed the broken chain to councillors at a virtual meeting, which was held via Zoom.

At the time, the independent councillor said it was down to “natural wear and tear” and asked if the chain was insured.

The issue was deferred to the next meeting of the full council on Monday, October 19, where an agenda item was listed.

This included the ‘repair to [the] mayoral pendant’ and to consider quotations.

However this was not needed as the Mayor had already agreed to pick up the tab herself.

Cllr Pearson told the meeting she had sought several quotations before settling with Middleton Jewellery Repairs, off Frederick Street in Sunderland, which fixed the pendant for just £18.

“The pendant has been repaired at no cost to the council as the Mayor has paid for it herself,” Cllr Pearson said.

She went on to say: “Everything is fixed and it’s all fixed solid.”

UKIP councillor Richard Elvin welcomed the move, adding: “Could I ask the town clerk to register his appreciation that Madam Mayor has picked up the tab to do this out of her own pocket.

“It’s very good of her and that’s what town councillors are about.”

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