A COUNCILLOR has warned that Wellington could become a “laughing stock” if it introduced an official town mascot.

Wellington Town Council has been deliberating over whether it should take on a life-size cartoon-style mascot, similar to those used by football clubs, to help give the town an identity. The mascot would come in the form of an outfit which would then be worn by a person.

If the council did go-ahead with a mascot it is likely it would be in the form of a fox – in commemoration of Wellington’s long history with clothmaker Fox Brothers and Co.

But it is a very big “if” as many of the town councillors are opposed to the idea.

Members of the council’s town centre committee last month agreed that they would carry out a survey among local people at this year’s street fair to gauge public opinion.

And Cllr Marcus Barr, who is championing the idea, said at the town council’s full monthly meeting on February 6 that the mascot project had already grabbed the attention of the BBC.

“The BBC is very interested in the story because we would be the only town council in Somerset to have an official mascot,” said Cllr Barr.

But Cllr Keith Wheatley said: “Somebody dressed up in a fox costume talking into a microphone might make us a laughing stock.”

Councillors have previously been given various options on what they could do including the council buying its own costume ranging in price from £1,800 to £4,000 or hiring a performer and costume from an events company as and when required at cost of up to £400 a day.