MIDDLEWICH Town Council has made the ground-breaking decision to name a long-serving community stalwart as its new mayor.

Dave Roberts has become the Middlewich’s inaugural community mayor – believed to be a unique role in the country. It’s thought to be the first time a non-elected candidate has taken up the ceremonial mantle, overturning the long-running tradition of a councillor-held undertaking the role.

Dave, who is honorary president of the Mid Cheshire Rail Link Campaign and chronicles the town’s history on The Middlewich Diary Facebook page, was publicly bestowed with the honour at his first official engagement.

So, 29 years after he opened the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival, Dave declared this year’s event open on Friday, June 14.

The 66-year-old, who has lived in the town all his life, said: “My first words back then were, ‘Welcome to the Folk and Boat Festival,’ and I am delighted to be able to say them again. For me, the festival represents everything that is special about the town and has helped to put Middlewich on the map.

“I am so very proud to be the first community mayor. It’s wonderful to do my bit for the town I love and which all my life I’ve called home. I think the name community mayor is particularly well-chosen.

“Townspeople will know their mayor is not someone removed from everyday life, but someone who is ‘one of them’ and part of the community. It’s important that being mayor is something everyone can aspire to.”

The role of community mayor was created after Labour decided to make the position a non-political role.

Cllr Rachel Pendleton, council chairman of Middlewich Town Council, said, “We know Dave will do a splendid job of representing our town.

Northwich Guardian:

"I am delighted, as chair of the council, to give over my role as first citizen of Middlewich to a resident who has already served the town well.

“We believe that we are the first town in the country to create a community mayor in this way.

“Residents will have a direct say in who they want to be their mayor. Later this year, we will invite the public to nominate residents for deputy mayor, and the person finally selected will become mayor next year, and so on.”

In another break from tradition, The mayor’s consort will now be known as the mayor’s companion and joining Dave in his civic duties will be his partner, Lynne Hardy.

Dave is now currently deciding which charities he will support in the next year but says he will continue help uniformed groups such as the Scouts, Guides and The Boys’ Brigade.

He added: “I am excited about what the year ahead entails and am looking forward to serving the town I love.”