THE MAYOR of Thornbury has been criticised for not respecting her role after participating in the town’s first parkrun event in the mayoral robes.

Cllr Helen Harrison, who is currently serving her second year in the role, donned the traditional robes, hat and chain for the 5km running event earlier this month as she opened the event.

A keen runner herself, Cllr Harrison went on to take part in the event on the Mundy Playing Fields alongside hundreds of members of the public – while still in the attire.

Having seen a picture from the event, former mayor Charles Eardley Wilmot said he and his wife Sheila, also a former mayor, were outraged by Cllr Harrison’s actions. He said that being mayor is “a ceremonial position and not an opportunity to act like the town jester”.

Mr Wilmot, who was mayor from 1979-81, said: “We were delighted that town was able to hold parkrun and we hope it continues for a long time to come,” he said, “but there has never been anything quite like this.

“When someone is appointed mayor, if they are attending events like this, they are the town mayor, they are not Mr Willmott or Mrs Harrison, and you behave accordingly.

“It is a dignified position whether you like it or not, yes she should be there starting the race, but if she wants to then run in it, she should discard the mayoral robes, put her running shoes on and take part.”

The robes were presented to the town in 1977 by a Mr and Mrs Wells, with Mr Eardley Wilmot himself donating the hat in 1978.

Cllr Harrison responded saying that the initial idea to run in the robes was not her idea, but had been approved by the rest of the council, many of whom are also former mayors.

She said: “I had no intention of offending anyone, and I am sorry if anyone feels offended by the actions that I took.

“The idea didn’t come from me first of all so I was responding to a request that had been put forward by others.

“I was taking part in the parkrun in the way that I did that had been approved of by the rest of the council, including a number of previous mayors.

“The response that I got on the day from people both within Thornbury, and those that were visiting, was positive and enthusiastic, and could only have come about by doing it in a visible way.

“Personally I feel I have raised the profile of Thornbury Town and not negated it in any way.”

A council spokeswoman said that mayoral protocol states the robes will be worn at the discretion of the mayor but that it would be “improper” for civic regalia to be work at a civic function unless it was specifically requested by the event organiser, which in this case it was.

The rules also state that it is considered appropriate for the mayor to wear the robe to educational visits and community events.

The spokeswoman added: “On this occasion the event organiser requested that robes be worn and it helped to raise the profile of the event.

“Each mayor brings something different to the role and Helen has made particular efforts to promote the role of mayor and the work of the town council making them more friendly, welcoming and accessible.”