The word is going out to Chelmsford borough councillors to smarten themselves up.

Councillors turning up at meetings without jackets and ties, in tracksuit bottoms or even beachwear were targeted by former Mayor Christopher Kingsley at a meeting of the borough's civic and ceremonial sub-committee on Tuesday.

"There is a strong consensus that the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and chief executive should be properly attired, ie robed," said Councillor Kingsley.

"Council officers are expected to be properly dressed, so I think it is disrespectful and discourteous for members to turn up casually dressed."

Another former Mayor, Alan Willsher said that some members had even attended council meetings in shirts half unbuttoned. "There is no excuse whatsoever for that," he said. " There is a lot to be desired. Some members should smarten themselves up."

Last year's Mayor, Bill Lane, said that some members might have to come straight from work and not have time to change.

"But at a full council meeting, I think all members should dress appropriately," he said.

Chairman Cllr Michael Dilloway said that secretaries of the council's political groups would be asked to bring the matter to the attention of their members.

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