Mayor cancels civicdinner because ofeconomic gloom

Each year the Mayor of the day holds a glittering black tie dinner and invites a host of dignitaries from the city and beyond to the event.

However, Mr heading has decided he will not be holding the event this year because of the economic gloom.

“In light of the current economic climate, I have decided that it would not be appropriate to proceed with the Mayor’s Civic Dinner, scheduled to take place on Friday 16 September.

“In reaching this decision I am conscious of the considerable financial pressures placed on households across the community who are facing a reduction in their income, major hikes in fuel and heating costs and increases in the cost of living.”

In a letter to those who had already been invited to the dinner, Mr Heading added: “I am sure you will agree in these difficult times that this is an appropriate and apt decision.”

Mr Heading said he would cover any costs incurred by cancelling the dinner at the last minute but declined to say why the decision had not been taken before the invitations had been issued.

The council was also unable to confirm whether or not this had been the first time that the civic dinner had been cancelled.