Bridgnorth Town Council members have elected a new mayor who said the council will place a strong emphasis on meaningful community engagement.
“Our aim is to create more opportunities for residents, businesses, and community organisations to contribute to local decision-making and civic life, building stronger connections across Bridgnorth,” said Councillor Chris Aked.
At a ceremony at the Town Hall, attended by representatives from other towns, as well as various local groups, Cllr Aked was elected to replace Cllr David Cooper. New Deputy Mayor is Cllr Nicky Cooper.
Cllr Aked’s connections with the town go back to 1982. A former business executive with Goodyear, he has been involved in various local organisations including Bridgnorth Lions, Bridgnorth and South Shropshire Crucial Crew and the Friends of St Leonard’s Church. He has been a councillor since 2021.
Cllr Aked said: “We’ve recently carried out a survey among residents, asking them what they wanted us to do. We’ve had excellent feedback and have produced a three-year plan. This allows us to plan more effectively, making sure that residents understand what we are doing and why we are doing it.”
He added: “There is so much going on in Bridgnorth already but there are many challenges on the horizon. We have the new housing development on the edge of town, increasing requests for help from Shropshire Council, plus the need to support our high street businesses by attracting more visitors to the town. Longer term projects, such as refurbishing the town hall and ensuring the Castle ruins are properly maintained are just a few of the other projects under review.”
He added: “Fortunately, the ‘retaining wall’ renovation has now been completed. This allows us to look at other areas which will improve the amenities in the town, including the provision of new toilets on Innage Lane.”
Cllr Aked said that he looked forward to working with many of the town’s sporting clubs, arts groups, special interest associations, historic and civic groups, as well as scouts, guides and other youth groups. He said that his chosen charities for the year would be Hope House and Severn Hospice.
CAPTION: Bridgnorth’s new Mayor and Mayoress, Chris and Gillie Aked.
