THE mayor of Ellesmere thanked businesses for their community support during the Covid-19 pandemic as he reflected on his time in the position at last week’s annual town meeting.

Councillor Paul Goulbourne looked back at his time as mayor as he approaches the end of his tenure, with much of his message dedicated to the town’s businesses for their efforts over the past year.

It was a mayoral year like no other for cllr Goulbourne, who led the council during the pandemic.

He insists he was overwhelmed by the support he received during this time from his colleagues, and the support given to the community by those living and working in the town.

“I would like to thank all of my fellow councillors for their help and support during this time,” he said.

“I’d also like to reiterate how proud I am of the way the local businesses in Ellesmere supported the town during the unprecedented times we have been living in.

“I would also like to thank the Ellesmere Town Council Covid Support Group and its volunteers for the amazing job they did at the start of the initial lockdown to support everyone.”

He added: “In March 2020, the country was hit by coronavirus, but we were alerted by Dr Alison Hughes about the large number of cases in Wales at that time.

“As a result of her concerns, the council agreed to organise a meeting at the town hall with interested community and faith groups.

“This resulted in the support group being set up, along with the Facebook page and website.

“There were more than 60 volunteers and 80 clients. Volunteers collected prescriptions and shopping for the vulnerable.

“The coordination of this was done by Jo Butterworth and her assistant Jean. They undertook this alongside their day-to-day work.”

Aside from pandemic-related matters, Cllr Goulbourne highlighted some of the other work completed and decisions made by the council during his tenure.

This included a commitment for the council to become carbon neutral by 2030, and 85 street lights in Ellesmere converted to LED.

An area of the Birch Road pond was also designated as a nature reserve.

Cllr Goulbourne thanked councillors for their help with these matters.

He added: “It must be remembered that town councillors are volunteers and give their time freely.

“I would like to thank them all for their hard work and support.”