HASLEMERE Town Council has come under strong pressure from some of its own members to make procedural change – but members have voted to retain the status quo.

Internal divisions came to the fore in a heated discussion on whether to create a new post of council leader and change the traditional practice of the town mayor performing both roles.

Calling for change, Ged Hall said: “I’ve been a councillor for five years and I can’t remember an issue that has led to such debate.

“Some embrace change enthusiastically. Others fear change. Haslemere Town Council has a very poor record on effecting change, which is viewed as rocking the boat, but there is general confusion about who is the go-to person.

“In my professional opinion, the current situation is a barrier. If this is agreed, we can look forward to a new integrated council. If we vote no to change, we can expect the devil we know, or more of the same.”

Councillor Jim Edwards said: “The key issue is the workload for the mayor is increasing with the expansion of social media.

“Haslemere Town Council needs to ensure it’s not brought into disrepute unfairly, which it currently is. I know it’s difficult to accept but we do need a split.”

Members Peter Sherratt, William King and Simon Drake also supported a split, but Jean Arrick spoke out in favour of the status quo.

She said “I think Haslemere Town Council does an excellent job. It’s unfortunate we are thinking of doing this. Under Melanie Odell as mayor, the town council has a big standing in the area.

“Haslemere Town Council does very well under the current regime. I don’t think I’m a Luddite. How the council is run now with working groups is very effective. It’s a sad day when we say sticking in past doesn’t work. I think it works well.”

The majority of councillors agreed the existing system worked well, and 11 voted in favour with seven against. Splits emerged later in the meeting, when members were asked to vote on whether to reduce the annual grants it awards.

Under the current process no funding is available to increase an organisation’s reserves, and Hoppa Community Transport, Waverley Citizens’ Advice and Haslemere Visitor Information Centre were identified as having cash reserves.

Councillor Libby Piper said members should decide if the council should support the three organisations and if so, what level of financial support they should receive.

She suggested setting up a working party to look into the recommendation, but Mr Hall vetoed the move, saying “it’s taken seven months to get this far”.

The council heard Waverley CAB chief executive Phil Davies had expressed his concern about the possible withdrawal of the grant in four years, and a staff member was at the meeting.

Councillors were concerned about the effect it would have on the town’s Visitor Information Centre.

Penny Bradley said two jobs were at stake, so it was “not purely financial”, and Michael Dover described it as an “invaluable resource if we want to encourage people to visit”.

It was narrowly agreed on deputy mayor Sahran Abeysundara’s casting vote, not to reduce the grants, but to set up a working party to report back.