Council to spend �65,000 on logo

The logo was compared to the hairstyle of boxing promoter Don King

Councillors in Cornwall are to spend �65,000 to introduce a new logo for the county's new unitary authority.

The money to rebrand council property with the emblem of black and gold flames will come from existing budgets of the seven current local authorities.

The figure is down from the initial �476,000 estimated cost. The logo's design and cost has been criticised.

Critics still suggest the final cost of implementing the logo will rise above �65,000.

At a meeting earlier, councillors voted for what they described as the "minimum amount" that could be spent to introduce the new design.

The money will be spent on labelling new signs, stationery and uniforms for staff. Council vehicles will also be painted.

More money than the �65,000 earmarked could be spent if more signs need replacing or upgrading, a situation which committee member Councillor Graeme Hicks said he was "really annoyed" with.

Hairstyle comparisons

He said: "The grim reality is once you start gradually putting it on more vans and more signs, the price will keep rising.

"I hope common sense in the long-term will prevail. It's money that can be spent better providing services for people."

Based on the shield from Cornwall's ceremonial crest, the new design will replace the existing design featuring a miner, a fisherman and a chough bird.

However, the insignia, chosen from more than 30 entries, was compared by critics to the hairstyles of singer Amy Winehouse and boxing promoter Don King.

It has been defended by the county council, which said it had been chosen because it was inspiring and dynamic, and would bring a "contemporary modern feel to the best of Cornish tradition".

The authority will replace six district councils and the county council from April 2009.

Local Government Minister John Healey pledged his support to Cornwall's new council during a visit to the county on Thursday.

He said the county would benefit from better use of taxpayers' money, better local services and stronger local leadership.

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