IT IS USUALLY a time for change in the town council calendar, but mayors in Rhuddlan, Prestatyn and St Asaph are all keeping hold of their chains for another year.

The move is in line with the Welsh Government's legislation, brought in to help town councils adjust to current circumstances.

Cllr Arwel Roberts will continue in his post of mayor for another year in Rhuddlan.

Cllr Tony Flynn will be keeping hold of the reins for Prestatyn and Meliden and cllr Peter Scott in St Asaph.

Cllr Roberts said: "Though Awen and I thought our time of mayor and and mayoress was coming to an end in May, the coronavirus situation prevented us from hosting two events - The Civic Sunday and V E Day Commemoration.

Rhyl Journal:

Councillor Arwel Roberts, mayor of Rhuddlan

"The town council has met through a virtual arrangement, thanks to cllr Gareth Rowlands and the clerk.

"Due to this difficult time, it was decided in the annual general meeting that Awen [mayoress] and I should continue in post for another year."

Ex- councillor Gareth Smith has resigned due to work commitments.

"We are facing desperate times. The lockdown will end but this will take some time. The effect of the virus will be with us for numerous years," cllr Roberts added.

"As mayor and county councillor, I am concerned about the residents who have been affected by Covid-19. We commiserate especially with families who have lost a loved one.

"We need to look at the bright side of life if possible. Let’s face the coming year and the years to come together and allow the town to recover and improve in all aspects."

Town councillor Mike Elgin will be deputy.

In Prestatyn, cllr Flynn is remaining in his post alongside cllr Sharon Frobisher until the annual general meeting can be held in 2021.

Cllr Flynn said: "I feel deeply honoured to remain as mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden for a further year due to the unusual circumstances.

"Every week, since lockdown, I have have been delighted to interview our frontline services to personally thank them on behalf of our town council and residents.

"My most recent interview was with Jackie, the pharmacist at Pritchards Pharmacy on Victoria road.

Rhyl Journal:

Cllr Tony Flynn, mayor of Prestatyn

"She gave an overview of how demand had grown and had it not been for volunteers, they could not have coped getting medicine to the vulnerable."

Cllr Flynn has also interviewed NHS members, Prestatyn High School, police and other workers on the front line.

He added: "During my year as mayor, which was cut short in February, I have been delighted to raise money for my good causes which will continue as soon as the lockdown allows.

"The role of mayor allows you to meet such amazing people from residents celebrating their 100th birthday to judging competitions, and learning more about the wonderful volunteers running different groups and organisations.

"It is a truly magnificent honour to wear the chain of office and to be spokesperson for the towns of Prestatyn and Meliden."

In St Asaph, cllr Scott will serve as mayor for the next 12 months and cllr John Roberts will continue as deputy.

Rhyl Journal:

Colin Hardie and Gwenda Hardie, cllr Peter Scott, mayor of St Asaph, and mayoress, Susan Scott, deputy mayor, cllr John Roberts and deputy mayoress Christine Roberts (taken in 2019).

Cllr Scott said: "Being Mayor of this beautiful city is a great honour and I hope I can fulfil my role as ambassador for the city.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped in these very difficult times to keep St Asaph going. To all the key workers and for all the acts of kindness my heart goes out to you.

"When we get through this Covid-19 pandemic, and we will, it will be great to support all our businesses to get them up and running again.

"The spirit of St Asaph shines through and we will return to life as we knew it eventually."

Read our previously article about the situation in Abergele, Towyn and Kinmel Bay and Rhyl.