THE NEW mayor of Wem has donned the chains of office.

Councillor Connie Granger was elected at the Wem Town Council Annual General Meeting, replacing Cllr Edward Towers in the role.

In his outgoing address, Cllr Towers thanked his deputy, Cllr Philip Glover, who will continue in his role.

Cllr Towers added: “We have had a very busy year as a town council; many things begun, issues confronted and addressed.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead you all in 2017-18.”

Looking back on his year in office, Cllr Towers said that around £2,600 had been raised so far through various events towards the Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre.

He also thanked both the previous and new management for their work at the centre.

The council worked with the centre committee to oversee an extension project, which is due for completion this summer.

He also noted a visit from John Campion, Shropshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and his deputy Tracey Oswell to discuss policing matters.

Owen Paterson MP also attended the council several times to help in discussion with Shropshire Council over highway concerns.

Successful town events included the Christmas Festival, which drew a huge a crowd for late night shopping and the lights switch-on, St George’s and Harvest markets and the annual Eckford Sweet Pea Show.

There was the annual ‘end of school holidays’ carnival and a Vehicles of Interest parade and display at the recreation ground.

There was a successful mayor’s awards, and the event is due to be held again in September.

Cllr Towers also thanked members for “going over and above the usual council meetings” by attending briefings and committees.

The outgoing mayor said the encouragement and support of his deputies would “live long in the memory”.

Cllr Granger was proposed as mayor by Cllr Pauline Dee, with Cllr Glover proposed for deputy mayor by Cllr Chris Hemmings and was elected unanimously.

The new mayor thanked her predecessor for being a “a very good mayor” over the past year.