Third time in role for Oswestry 's new mayor

Councillor John Gareth Jones was installed as mayor this week, the third time that one of the elder statesmen of the council has taken on the role.

Now 78, Councillor Jones said it was an honour to be wearing the historic mayoral chain.

"I firmly believe that Oswestry is an exciting place to be at the present time," he said. "We have a community that is prepared to talk and there are many organisations and individuals that are making significant contributions to the life of this town.

"The Oswestry 2020 plan contains a vision, various themes and an action plan that the town council will be at the forefront of in the months ahead. Likewise the Oswestry Town Centre Traffic Group is now beginning its work. "

Councillor Jones said he was beginning his term of office with his mayoress Tegwen as work to rebuild the town's livestock market was under way.

"The Smithfield scheme has been controversial in its planning and consultation but it is exciting to see investment coming into Oswestry that will attract new jobs," he said. "It is also very important that the livestock market receives investment, acknowledging its importance to both the economic and agricultural life of the area.

"I am also excited by the innovation park being promoted by Shropshire Council. As a town council we have highlighted our priorities to be around the provision of employment land and the creation of real jobs and this significant addition to the town can only be welcomed."

"Our interest in the town centre is unquestionable. It is a main focus of our portfolio as we provide markets, various events, hanging baskets and floral planters, Cae Glas Park, Oswestry Christmas Live and band concerts.

"I firmly believe that Oswestry would be a much poorer place if it was not for the significant contribution of the town council to the town centre and its day to day life."

Councillor Jones said that he was particularly proud to be mayor as the town looked to the commemoration of World War One and the international, national, and local interest that is being generated.

He said: "Without doubt the name of Wilfred Owen will bring media and tourism interest to Oswestry and I feel it is very fitting that the town council has agreed to restore and refurbish the memorial gates at Cae Glas Park. The memorial gates are a reminder to us all, in our day to day lives, of those who gave so much to their country and never returned.

"I hope that the gates can be rededicated during the summer and I am sure that the Remembrance Sunday parade will be one of the largest ever seen in the town as our community pays its respects to the fallen."

He said that his charities for the year will be the Oswestry Project Group and Oswestry Senior Citizens Club.