A FORMER mayor and friend of Jimmy Savile has been stripped of his civic honours over child sex abuse allegations.

Scarborough Borough Council voted to revoke the honorary alderman and mayor status of ice cream entrepreneur Peter Jaconelli, who died 15 years ago aged 73.

It comes after North Yorkshire Police said that a file concerning Jaconelli, known as King of the Cornets, would have been handed over to prosecutors had he still been alive.

The force referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission over how it responded to allegations made about Savile and Jaconelli, who served as North Yorkshire County Council’s planning chairman.

It has been alleged Jaconelli, the resort's mayor from 1971 to 1972 who was granted the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough of Scarborough in 1996, was involved in a seaside paedophile ring with Savile.

Police launched an inquiry into Jaconelli following claims he was known to police as a predatory paedophile, but remained protected as a prominent businessman and councillor.

Council leader Tom Fox said Jaconelli’s name would be taken off of the honours boards at the town hall and that he should not be referred to as a former mayor.

Savile’s name was removed from the Freedom of Scarborough honours board in 2012, and a memorial plaque and street signs bearing his name were taken down.

Coun Fox said: “This council publicly praises the courage of those who have come forward after such a long time to report such serious crimes.

“Following on from ‘giving victims a voice’ we recognise and continue to have empathy with all victims, whoever the offender, whatever the situation including empathy and support for those who have yet to come forward.”