AN age-old tradition could disappear forever as local councils face the biggest overhaul seen for over a century.

Structures and political organisation - seen as being out-dated - will be abolished and replaced with one of three new structures, as directed by central government.

And two of the structures which could be adopted would bid farewell to the robe and chain wearing civic mayor.

Vale Royal Borough Council has been working under option one, as shown below, since May 1999 - a system which would keep the ceremonial mayor.

But in line with central government guidance the council wants public views as to which system should be introduced permanently.

Anne Bingham-Holmes, chief executive of the council, said: "This consultation exercise presents a major challenge to us.

"Most people's understanding of their council is based on concrete experiences of it - households having their waste collected, voluntary groups applying for grants, businesses applying for planning permission.

"The key to the success of any new system relies on people seeing the links between how services are delivered and how decisions are made."

During the next few weeks every household in Vale Royal will receive a leaflet in which they can choose the new structure they would like to see.

Leaders of the three main parties are keen to point out that it is not a political issue and are unanimous in their belief that the current system is the most suitable for Vale Royal.

Clr Bob Mather, labour leader of the council, said: "The system has worked well as a more transparent structure enabling us to act quicker.

"It is about getting the best out of the council and we want the public to be involved. It is all about accountability."

Tory leader Clr Keith Musgrave said: "We were one of the first councils to try a new system and are still in a learning curve, but it works well. We want the public's views because that is democracy."

Leader of the Lib Dem party, Clr Arthur Wood added: "Of the three choices, I would support the Leader and Executive.

"Although I believe the executive should be cross-party, there would be a system of checks and measure with select committees."

Leaflets must be returned by the end of March and Mrs Bingham-Holmes is urging people not to miss the chance to have their say.

"We hope people will use this rare opportunity to have a say about an issue which has a major impact on the life of every individual in Vale Royal," she added.