BAD-MANNERED councillors are to get their knuckles rapped over the way they speak to the mayor.

Kirklees Council's elected representatives are to be reminded about their conduct when speaking to the civic head and when they are in the council chamber.

The telling off comes in a report which notes a "decline in respect shown towards the office of mayor at council meetings".

Rowdy behaviour has led to the temporary halting of meetings at times because of "disorder".

Council rules say members should not behave "irregularly, improperly or offensively".

A new code of conduct is being drawn up which will contain guidelines and protocols relating to all aspects of the civic role.

It reminds councillors of historical traditions which they should observe relating to the mayor, such as standing when he or she enters the council chamber and standing and remaining in their places when and until the mayor leaves.

They should also be silent when the mayor rises and should sit down and wait until the mayor finishes his or her speech.

Michael Butler, the council's head of democratic support services, said: "It is human nature that in council meetings people get excited and agitated during debate.

"But the mayor felt she was in a bit of a hopeless position and there was a decline in standards," he said.

"People were carrying on with their own conversations in the council chamber when the mayor was speaking.

"It was getting like the House of Commons."

Mr Butler added: "There have been elements of poor behaviour and the code of conduct reminds members of what is expected of them."

Clr Mary Harkin, the present mayor, said: "When I go into the chamber I expect councillors to be in place and to rise. On occasions, people are milling about or rushing in late."

The previous mayor, Barbara Allonby, said: "I had to bang my gavel more than once on quite a few occasions because of noise, shouting and general rowdiness".

The report - going to the council business committee next month - recommends that members should "act with dignity and respect during council meetings when directing comments towards the mayor or other members of the council."