A NEW town mayor has been elected in Winsford.

Veteran Labour Cllr Don Beckett takes over from Lib Dem Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones, who served an extra four months due to the pandemic.

The handover took place at the annual meeting last night, the first time members have met at Wyvern House since lockdown.

But there was no ceremonial investiture due to social distancing rules.

Labour Cllr Nathan Pardoe was elected as deputy mayor.

Northwich Guardian:

Labour Cllr Nathan Pardoe is the new deputy mayor of Winsford Town Council

Cllr Beckett told members: "Thank you so much for asking me to serve as mayor. It is a great honour. I wish to offer my thanks to Ailsa. You've done a marvellous job. I can't thank you enough."

Cllr Joanne Moorcroft, leader of Winsford Town Council Labour Group, said: "On behalf of Winsford fellow councillors and Winsford residents I'd like to thank Cllr Gaskill-Jones for her service as mayor.

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr Joanne Moorcroft, leader of Winsford Town Council Labour Group

"Ailsa has worked hard for the town and adapted to the unique challenges which being a mayor in a global pandemic brought with it."

Mum-of-three Cllr Gaskill-Jones, said: "To say it has been tumultuous would be something of an understatement, not least due to the arrival of the pandemic which continues to significantly impact on our lives today.

"The pandemic has significantly impacted on my ability to work for my charities. This is a source of huge personal disappointment to me."

The outgoing mayor urged everyone to continue to support her three charities, Cheshire Young Carers, Motherwell and Cotswold House.

"All these charities have continued to do their amazing work supporting vulnerable individuals throughout the pandemic. If anyone can support them as they continue to navigate these choppy waters, I really would encourage you to do so."

Cllr Gaskill-Jones, who leads a team of midwives, said she was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of Winsford residents who gave up their time to help the elderly and vulnerable.

"To see how our community has come together to provide care and support to those most in need during the height of the pandemic has been most heartwarming and shows just what can be achieved when we all work together.

"We should also not underestimate the effort deployed or the impact working through Covid has had on our NHS, our carers and our key workers.

READ > New Winsford business offers free vehicle sanitising to NHS workers

"On behalf of the town I would like take the opportunity to say a huge thank you."

Cllr Moorcroft welcomed the two new appointments, and said: "Don is a long serving and dedicated councillor, committed to representing Winsford residents.

"I'd also like to welcome Cllr Pardoe as the new deputy mayor. Since being elected he has proven himself as a capable councillor who puts the needs of residents first.

"Don and Nathan will do our town proud."

Cllr Pardoe said: "I would like to thank the council for this appointment. It is a privilege to be deputy mayor in my home town."