COMMUNITY stalwarts given the honour of becoming aldermen could be asked to fork out £850 for ceremonial robes.

Councillors who have served at least 20 years and former mayors are invited to take up the title with Colchester Council.

The council’s governance committee has recommended new aldermen should contribute for the first time in the role’s history.

Martin Hunt, a critic of the proposal and leader of the council, has warned it could price out potential Aldermen.

Read the full story in today's Gazette.