The older I get the faster time seems to move. It appears such a short time ago I was given the honour of serving our town as its mayor and yet this is my final message to you in that role.
Christine, as Mayoress, and I have had a great year. We’ve been involved with so many local events and in providing support for local organisations and voluntary groups; as well as the local business community.
Many in our community are experiencing the effects of the poor financial situation that’s facing much of the world. Belt tightening is having an adverse affect on, not only individuals and families, but also on many of our local shops and businesses. Despite this, it’s promising that several new stores and businesses have started during my year in office. Let’s hope that Towcester can buck the trend and keep its town centre, including our range of small independent shops and services, open and thriving.
As Town Mayor I have been privileged to see the work of many organisations and groups in the town. Towcester relies on a large band of volunteers that help make our town a great place to live. I had the honour of speaking and presenting prizes at Sponne School’s Annual Prize Giving. This was a reminder, should I have needed one, of how high the standard of education is in our town and how talented our young people are. Standards at Sponne of course, wouldn’t be so high if it wasn’t for the work of our excellent primary schools.
The main local issues facing Towcester continue to be the prospect of a major expansion in housing, and the pressures on public services. The Southern Expansion of Towcester appears to be once more on hold, although an application is still expected in the near future. The Moat Lane development is finally, if slowly, moving ahead as are the linked controversial proposals for relocating South Northamptonshire Council’s offices. Your Town Council will continue to speak up for residents and do its best to get the best for Towcester.
During February and March I spent many hours practicing hard to learn to dance and take part in the ‘Strictly Towcester’ spectacular. The event itself, if not my standard of dancing, proved a tremendous success, raising some £5,000 for NORPIP, a Towcester based children’s charity.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who supported my charities this year (Cynthia Spencer Hospice and local youth groups). In particular I would like to thank all those organizations who donated or helped raise money.
Cllr Martin Johns Town Mayor |
