Those hoping for a Lynn town council have been warned to learn from other local authorities in the county that “don’t function particularly well”.

West Norfolk borough councillor Brian Long issued the caution last night as members agreed to launch a public consultation that could see Lynn form its own local authority.

The town is one of the few communities in the region without a parish-level authority.

Supporters argue it would give residents a stronger voice ahead of an impending shakeup of local government, while others have warned that it could lead to council tax hikes.

Although Cllr Long supported the review, he pointed to parish councils in Breckland “that don’t function particularly well” as something to guard against.

His comments come amid regular tensions in town’s such as Attleborough and Thetford, where recent months have seen protests, infighting and even police presence linked to local council disputes.

Cllr Long also warned that the move could result in “massive” tax hikes for locals.

“What we want is a town council that works for the people of Lynn, but doesn’t hit them financially in the same way that some of the town councils across our borough hit their residents,” he said at a full borough council meeting last night.

“To perform the civic function and to do the town proud costs money. And it’s absolutely right and proper at the moment that that cost is spread across the entire borough.

“But if that liability falls just on the people that live in the currently unparished area of Lynn, they are going to see the likely massive increase on their council tax bill to fund the office of a town clerk and whatever other staff it’s deemed to be needed.”

However, other argue the move is necessary in order to protect the town’s democracy ahead of looming local government reorganisation.

The town’s interests are currency managed by the borough council. However, the authority is due to be abolished and replaced with a larger, unitary body.

Council leader Alistair Beales, who put forward the motion, said the town is facing a “democratic deficit” and is lacking a tier of government seen in “every other major market town in Norfolk”.

There are also fears the introduction of a new unitary council would see Lynn lose vital tradition such as its mayoralty – which dates back to 1248 and seen more than 800 people hold the post.

Cllr Steve Everett said the town is facing “real risk” ahead of local government reorganisation.

He said: “If we do nothing, the civic traditions we value – the mayoralty, ceremonial roles, historic assets – and the sense of continuity they provide could all disappear at the stroke of a pen for a structural changeover which this council may have very limited control.

“For me this is about democracy, continuity and fairness.

“Lynn deserves the same opportunity and local representation as other communities and residents deserve the chance to shape that future.”

Residents are expected to be consulted imminently.