THE newly elected mayor of Whitchurch has revealed her plans for the next 12 months.

Whitchurch town council recently elected councillor Beverly Duffy as the mayor of Whitchurch for 2019-2020, with Cllr Terry O’Neill elected as the deputy mayor.

Cllr Duffy has laid out her plans for her tenure as mayor, which focus on building unity between Whitchurch and neighbouring councils, as well as working to improve and develop the town.

“It is an honour and huge privilege to be elected mayor to serve the people of Whitchurch," said Cllr Duffy. "On behalf of the council I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Cllr Tony Neville, who has worked very hard over the last two years as mayor, representing our town in the rest of the county.

"I am very much looking forward to the next twelve months working with my fellow forward-looking councillors supported by our great staff team at the Civic."

Cllr Duffy added that she wants to continue to promote Whitchurch, saying: "My main aim as mayor is to continue to promote the positive message of Whitchurch, with its wonderful community spirit, being a strong and vibrant town that is a great place to live, bring up families and work.

"Working with my fellow councillors and members of the community I will do everything I can to enable Whitchurch Town Council to support businesses and community groups to develop our town to benefit everyone."

"Whitchurch is a growing town with improving facilities, which the council support. We have reorganised committee to reflect progress, especially with regards to culture and the history that we already have and are looking at ways in which we can celebrate these and bring more cultural events to the town."

And finally Cllr Duffy has spoken of her chosen charities for her tenure as mayor.

"For my charities this year I want to support the young people in the town, so I have chosen Scouting and Guiding in Whitchurch, which run activities for nearly 150 young people, with nearly 40 local people volunteering their time and support," said Cllr Duffy.

"I also wish to support Headway Shropshire as I have direct family experience of the excellent work they do to aid recovery. This wonderful charity provides care, support and rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injuries within Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Cllr Duffy is also inviting Whitchurch residents to get in touch and attend monthly council meetings and surgeries.

"I would love to get to know many more of the townspeople and encourage you to come to council meetings or the monthly surgery to share your ideas, or stop me in the street," said Cllr Duffy. "I’m always happy to have a chat!”