WIRRAL'S new mayor will be sticking with tradition when he is elected into office next week.

Conservative councillor Les Rowlands is returning the mayor-making ceremony back to the Civic Hall at Wallasey after it switched to the Floral Pavilion Theatre last year amid an acrimonious row.

The annual municipal function had been traditionally held at the Civic Hall, attached to the town hall in Brighton Street, since the authority was constituted in 1976.

But last May the council’s chief executive at the time, Graham Burgess, sparked trouble when he announced: "For some time we have been looking at ways to improve the mayor-making ceremony at no additional cost to the council taxpayer.

"The Floral Pavilion is being proposed for all future mayor making ceremonies - not just this one - as it is a much more suitable venue."

Not everyone agreed and the move caused a storm. 

A £5,000 bill for the 2014 bash only added fuel to the fire and there were claims the dignity of the "solemn event" had been spoiled by holding it in a theatre.

Tory opposition councillors were incensed.

"It is not a party and it is certainly not the pantomime that's accompanying these arrangements," blasted Tory group leader Jeff Green.

Now harmony appears to have returned and tradition upheld.

Councillor Rowlands, who represent Heswall ward, said: "After the council's asset review it was decided Wirral would be keeping both Wallasey and Birkenhead Town Halls as civic buildings.

"It's important therefore that we make good use of them and rather than spending taxpayers' money on other venues, use our own buildings in a cost-effective way.

"With a bit of TLC the Civic Hall can look very attractive and I'm sure the ceremony will be an enjoyable experience."

The event will be taking place next Monday evening, May 18.

Along with Cllr Rowlands being installed as the borough's new civic leader, Cllr Pat Hackett also will be elected as deputy.

Annual council will be held the following evening when Labour leader Cllr Phil Davies will announce who will be in his new cabinet following local elections.