THE mayor of Holywell, Cllr Paul Johnson, has wished those who live in the town a Merry Christmas and recapped his time in the role so far.

He said: “The Mayoress and I would like to wish everyone in Holywell and Greenfield a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. I would also like thank all of you who give your time so generously to supporting events in the town, running our societies, clubs, charities, community groups and churches. You make our town better for your endeavours.

“Thanks should also go the town council for their work and especially our small town council staff team – Jason, Collette and Martin – who always work so hard to support the town and its events. They always go the extra mile!”

Highlights mentioned by the mayor include attending the Wales in Bloom awards in September, where the town achieved a Silver Gilt award in their category. A further award was presented to the residents of Panton Place, who achieved a Level Four award in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category.

The mayor also spoke about how he held his Civic Sunday service on September 15 at St James Church and those in attendance also enjoyed the parade which went from Panton Place, through the High Street and down the Well Hill to the Church.

He said: “Hopefully next year the parade will be even bigger, and the Civic Sunday event can become a celebration of our town. All the mayors who attended said how much they loved finding out about Holywell’s amazing history.”

Cllr Johnson also reflected on the recent success of festive events including the Christmas lights switch on, the Mayor’s carol concert and the town’s first ever Christmas market which lined the newly-refurbished High Street.

The Leader:

Cllr Johnson enjoys an ice cream at the annual Holywell Well Inn Festival

He adds that this year has been a very busy one across Holywell that culminated with the re-surfacing works on the High Street following a four-month programme of work.

The mayor said: “I am sure that all of you will have seen that this is creating new look to the Street as our town reinvents itself. Our High Street is now fully open to traffic which the council hopes will support local businesses and help with the continued efforts to regenerate the town. Having worked so hard to re-open the High Street, I would urge residents to use local businesses as much as possible. They are our lifeblood.”

The mayor goes on to say that the council has been involved in many community projects throughout the year.

He said: “Holywell is a very special little town and it is marvellous to see how we are building our future from our past. We are re-inventing our town for the 21st century.

Cllr Johnson spoke to the Leader about how the council continues to campaign for the re-opening of the Holywell Junction railway station in Greenfield and how he was delighted to see the completion of the first phase of the active travel work undertaken at Greenfield Valley.

The Leader:

Cllr Paul Johnson reflects on his time so far as mayor of Holywell

He adds: “Looking forward to the New Year, the council is hoping to complete both the installation of a canopy and parasols to support events and provide a community space in Tower Gardens, and the installation of gateway signs on the main routes leading into the town, and the High Street. The Tower Gardens community space will also include a water refill station for residents.

“The council recently signed off a new business plan setting our priorities and objectives for the next three years. I am confident there are exciting times ahead for Holywell as we build our future from our traditions and our heritage.”

Cllr Johnson concludes by saying: “I will continue to attend as many community events as possible while I am your Mayor and I am really looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can. This year I have been proud to have established ‘The Mayor’s Tea Party’ that allows myself and the Mayoress the opportunity to thank all those people whose voluntary work contributes so much to the life of our town.

“Being your Mayor is the proudest time of my life and I would like to take the opportunity to thank my wife and my Mayoress, Sue, for her constant and amazing support this year. Nadolig Llawen!”

(Images in story body supplied by Chris Noble Photography)