WARMINSTER Town Council appointed a new mayor for the coming year at a town council meeting on Monday (May 9).

Councillor Paul Macfarlane, of Highbury Park, was nominated as the new mayor with Cllr Pip Ridout elected as deputy.

Cllr Macfarlane, who was chairman of the Town Development group last year, has lived in the town since he was four and attended Kingdown School.

He has chosen Louie’s Smiles, which delivers toys to children receiving treatment in local hospitals, as his chosen charity for the next year.

Cllr Macfarlane said: “I am really looking forward to the coming year. There are lots of things going on in Warminster at the moment and we as a council will do our best to oversee them properly and effectively.

“Devolved services from Wiltshire Council and the West Urban Extension are two big topics for the town which I’m looking forward to working on as mayor. I’m also looking forward to visiting the many community groups in the town, including the likes of Cubs and Brownies, but also the ones I’m not so familiar with, and getting the park back up to standard.

“I haven’t been a councillor for very long, only around two years, but being chairman of the Town Development group last year taught me a lot.

“I’ve chosen Louie’s Smiles as my charity as they carry out amazing work. It must be so difficult as a child having to go to hospital every day to receive treatment and their work really does put a smile on their faces.”

Cllr Macfarlance lives in Highbury Park with his wife Michelle and two children, Douglas, aged four, and nine-year-old Arabella.

He is a big rugby fan and is currently vice-president of the town’s club.

Cllr Macfarlane added: “I would like to say well done to Cllr Sue Fraser, who did a truly fantastic job as mayor last year.”

Reflecting on her year as mayor, Sue Fraser said: “I have had a very busy but enjoyable year as mayor and met so many wonderful people who give up their time to help the community and keep many organisations running smoothly in our town and around the county.

“It was also good to be able to network with all the other mayors in the county and exchange ideas and thoughts.

“My grateful thanks go to Heather, our Town Clerk, and all the girls in the office for the help that they have given me over the last year, we are blessed to have such an efficient team working behind the scenes and making sure that everything runs smoothly.

​"I would like to wish Paul Macfarlane all the best for the next year and hope that he enjoys it as much as I have done.”