A FORMER mayor of Whitchurch is to become the town's new clerk, putting an end to two years with the permanent post vacant.

Mike McDonald was appointed town clerk at the monthly town council meeting which took place in the Civic Centre, High Street on Thursday, April 23.

Whitchurch Town Council has not had a permanent clerk since Nicola Young left in 2020 after being convicted and fined for deleting an audio recording of a meeting.

Mr McDonald described taking the role as being "like coming home" and hoped it would bring stability.

He said: "I am delighted to be returning to Whitchurch Town Council as its proper officer, it is a bit like coming home.

"Thanks must go to councillors who have stepped up and offered additional help over the past year, over and above their official roles, to ensure everything has run smoothly with the help and support of locum clerks.

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"We also have and excellent staff team, and together we are now in a great position to bring administrative stability to the council to ensure we deliver on the many projects which will directly benefit the people of Whitchurch."

The new clerk added there would be opportunities for people to get involved.

Mr McDonald said: "Starting in May and throughout our new civic year, we will have several opportunities for people to get involved in our work and I would encourage everyone to consider doing so.

"I’m particularly interested to hear from our young people and how the town council can support them and, indeed, how they can get involved in making things happen.

"The annual town meeting and the annual council meeting also takes place on May 5 and is open for anyone to attend and hear about our progress and plans.

"We have a busy time ahead of us, but together we will achieve for Whitchurch and its future success."

The deputy mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Andy Hall, said the council were delighted to appoint Mr McDonald to the role.

Cllr Hall said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mike as the new town clerk.

"He has got Whitchurch in his heart and I am sure he will do the very best for the town.

"Mike comes with standing credentials and a set of skills which is ideally placed for Whitchurch Town Council.

"Onwards and upwards as far a we are concerned and there is a lot of work ahead but Mike is up for a challenge and he will do a very good job."