THE new mayor of Fordingbridge says it will be a "difficult" year for the town and there will be some "challenges" ahead.
Councillor Edward Hale, who was previously the deputy mayor, now takes the reins as chairman of Fordingbridge Town Council.
He takes over the role from Councillor Paul Anstey who has been mayor for two years.
Councillor Hale was elected during the council’s annual meeting on Wednesday, May 13, which was held virtually on Zoom.
He said: “I would like to thank everyone for the great honour and for electing me as mayor. It is going to be a difficult year for the town but I’m really proud of the way that the town is dealing with the current situation. We’ve just got to continue working together with the organisations that we have got and hope the town council can help wherever possible.”
“I think we have got some challenges during the next year.” added Cllr Hale, which he said included the neighbourhood plan, the pavilion refurbishment, Christmas lights and looking at having town council and tourist information staff at one site.
“The top challenge is going to be the neighbourhood plan,” he said. “Secondly, the changing rooms [at the pavilion], I hope we can move forward with that. I have been supporting that because I know what a terrible state those changing rooms are in and I believe the option we’ve gone for is the best way forward.
"Thirdly, I’ve got the Christmas lights. We are going to have to look into that a lot more during the next few months because the contract has run out. It is really important that we continue to working with [Fordingbridge] Events Group. I really hope the town council can come up with a solution to provide the lights and work with the events group on that.
“And lastly, we have got the issue of a location of the town council’s staff to look into as well. We are looking at some options for the town hall.
“The important thing is that staff should be together. That has worked well. We just have to decide where the best place for that is.”
Councillor Anna Wilson was elected deputy mayor.
Cllr Hale thanked Cllr Anstey on behalf of the council for his work as mayor and chairman of the town council over the last two years.
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