COUNCILLOR Tony Sherlock has spoken of his pride at being made mayor of his hometown in front of around 500 people.
Cllr Sherlock, who has become Ellesmere Port’s first mayor (as opposed to mayor of the borough) since 1974, received the chain of office during a ceremony at the Civic Hall last week.
During his 12-month reign he is vowing to continue his support for disabled charities, improve recycling and ensure voluntary work is recognised, as well as giving his full backing to the town’s industry during the economic downturn.
Performing at the ceremony were Westminster Primary School Choir, Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets and Ellesmere Port Specialist School for Performing Arts’ Swing Band.
Cllr Sherlock said: “It was a very proud moment for me to be made mayor of the town I was born in. The turnout was the best I’ve seen for a long time.
“There were about 500 people which is quite incredible at a time when politicians are viewed with some scepticism. It’s now down to me to prove my worth.
“There is a lot of good things happening in the town and it is down to me to highlight that. I’m going to work very hard, I’m not afraid of putting in the time and effort.”
Cllr Sherlock, who represents Grange and Rossmore, has been a councillor for 31 years and was mayor of the former borough of Ellesmere Port and Neston in 1993-94.
The new mayoralty was formed after the old borough council expressed its wish that the town maintained a civic role after being replaced by Cheshire West and Chester Council on April 1.
An engineer, Cllr Sherlock is married to Pat and they have two grown up children, Gareth and Catherine.
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