THE post of mayor could be introduced in two Wear Valley towns after new councils meet for the first time next week.

The idea has found support in Bishop Auckland and Willington where councillors were elected on May 3.

Proposals are on the agenda at meetings in Willington on Monday and Bishop Auckland on Tuesday.

The new authorities were both set up because parish councils must become town councils before they can call their chairman mayor.

Neighbouring towns, such as Shildon and Spennymoor, all have a mayor, as does the Sedgefield borough.

Wear Valley District Council, however, although it has appointed several honorary aldermen, cannot have a mayor because it has not chosen borough status.

The new parishes must become town councils before they can call their chairman mayor.

Bishop Auckland businessman Sam Zair will sit on the fledgling Bishop Auckland authority with his wife, Lesley.

He said: "It will be beneficial for the town and reinforce the benefits of all the good things that have been happening here, such as the Wear Valley food festival and the visit of the Antiques Roadshow.

"Other town councils have a mayor, so I don't see why Bishop Auckland shouldn't. It will give the community a real boost."

Brian Myers, vice chairman of a steering group which set up the Willington authority, said: "Having a mayor is certainly a realistic proposition for Willington.

"It has been discussed informally and there appears to be some support for the idea.

"We tried to keep politics out of the election campaign and I think the first mayor should be someone who is not currently connected with party politics.

"That will show that the new council is more interested in the good of the town than politics."

The public is welcome at the first meetings in Willington Resource Centre on Monday and Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Tuesday, both at 6pm.