THE NEW Mayor of Pershore has called on town residents to ‘bite the bullet’ and accept the new developments which have taken place in recent years.
Coun Chris Parsons replaced Coun Bob Gillmor who stepped down after two years in the role and delivered a stirring rallying call for local people to be proud of Pershore.
Speaking at the annual meeting of Pershore Town Council, Coun Parsons confirmed his wife Jan would be his consort for the year ahead and Research into Prostate Cancer as his chosen charity.
Coun Julian Palfrey will serve as deputy Mayor and will be accompanied by Helen Whitwell to functions.
“We are all very fortunate to live in a town like Pershore, it has an array of shops from small independent traders to large chain stores. When you shop in Pershore you can be sure of a friendly smile,” Coun Parsons said.
“We have seen our town grow very fast in recent years, houses are springing up in every corner.
“While we objected to the development we must now bite the bullet and accept the new developments.”
Coun Parsons thanked members for electing him unopposed to the role and said among the priorities for the year ahead was see regular planting in the Diana, Princess of Wales Garden on King George Fields and even a traffic review for the town.
“There is no such thing as a quiet year in local government and I dont expect the coming year to be any different.”
After being handed the chains of office, Coun Parsons paid tribute to outgoing mayor Coun Gillmor on behalf of the council.
“I want to thank you for giving up two years of your life to devote time and energy to the role. You have conducted meetings with a firm hand but have always been very fair in encouraging debate,” he said.
“You have represented this town locally and further afield and done so with the distinction this town deserves.”
Coun Gillmor presented cheques to his two chosen charities; Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Deaf Direct as well as grants to a host of local organisations including Avon Navigation Trust, Friends of Pershore Meadows, Pershore Open Gardens, Pershore Talking Newspaper and Pershore Riverside Youth Centre.
“It’s been a great honour to represent the town at many events,” he said.
“After years of continued pressure from this council, its good to see a planning application for the Pershore Northern Relief Road will be submitted this summer.”
