A councillor has accused Epsom and Ewell Borough Council of being “diddled” after they spent £1,100 on a ceremonial robe.

Counservative councillor Sean Sullivan, made the comment at a Strategy and Resources Committee on Tuesday, when it was revealed how much the Chief Executive’s robe cost when it was commissioned in October last year.

He said: “I think the council was diddled.

“It seems to be an extortionate ammount of money to spend on garments at a time of economic uncertainty.

Savings are being made in other ways, it seems complacent to spend such an extortionate ammount on such a small item.”

The robe, which was comissioned alongside a ladies Mayoral robe at a cost of £745, was defended by RA councillor Jean Smith as “value for money”.

She said: “It’s about quality. We could have bought something cheaper in the town that wouldn’t last as long, but that would not be value for money.

“This will last for a lot longer I would assume.”

Councillor Sullivan responded: “In my profession as a barrister we buy our robes for £200 to £300, and I don’t see why this could not be the case here.

The council carried the motion to continue wearing robes at ordinary and extraordinary meetings by a majority vote on the premise that no extra money would be saved.