New Shrewsbury mayor takes office
Shrewsbury has welcomed in its new mayor.
Councillor Phil Gillam took over the chains from outgoing mayor Councillor Peter Nutting at a service held last night at the town's Walker Theatre.
The former Shropshire Star journalist and current editor of Belle Vue Magazine is looking forward to a year of promoting Shrewsbury for its beauty and green credentials - from its parks and gardens to the local environment and becoming more ecologically friendly as well as its desire to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Councillor Gillam will represent the town on hundreds of engagements, from leading the floats at the Shrewsbury Carnival to shop openings and civic dinners.
He will be accompanied by his wife, Carol, who will perform the role of Lady Mayoress.
"I am excited about the opportunity to raise the profile of the town and promote its businesses," said Councillor Gillam.
"I also want to use my year to continue to promote the Big Town Plan and support the Shrewsbury Growing Forward initiative."
Councillor Gillam has a number of fundraising activities planned for his term, including the Shrewsbury Beatles Weekend which takes place in September, to raise money for his chosen charity The Samaritans in Shrewsbury - a local organisation which is affiliated to the national body.
"I want to do everything I can to support them," he added.
The mayoral history in Shrewsbury dates back as far as 1638.
