THE NEW Mayor of Evesham has vowed to make the Town Council more ‘vocal’ so residents know ‘we are working on their behalf’ during his year in office.
Coun Richard Jones was unanimously elected to the historic position at Evesham Town Council’s annual mayor making ceremony at the Town Hall on Monday (May 8).
At the meeting, councillors also unanimously voted in favour of appointing Coun Mark Goodge as Deputy Mayor.
In his first address as Mayor, Coun Jones, who was first elected to the Town Council in 2007, said he will push the Town Plan to the forefront of people’s minds and will make sure the Town Council’s voice is heard on issues which affect the town.
He also chose Evesham Adventure Playground, St Richard’s Hospice and Evesham and District Mental Health Support Services as his charities for the year ahead.
Speaking to the Observer, Coun Jones said: “The idea is to try and push the Town Plan to the forefront of people’s thinking.
“We are restrained, because some of thing things in the Town Plan are beyond our control, but that doesn’t mean to say we can’t have a forthright view.
“And I think that’s the main thing, I want the Town Council opinion to be heard, not only by the people of Evesham, but also people further up the chain.
“For example, Wychavon District Council, we’ve already said on major planning application we will send people to speak at meetings.
“And Worcestershire County Council, with roads and everything, we need to be in on those conversations.
“Now, if you don’t know who the right people are and you can’t be there – that’s something I want to address.
“I want a more vocal council so people know that we are there and doing things on their behalf. We just need to let people know that the Town Council is working on their behalf in the areas in which we can actually make a difference,” he added.
