ST ASAPH has placed its trust in its new mayor for an unprecedented third term.

Cllr Colin Hardie is promising to maintain an open ear to the concerns of the city’s residents and consistency in his third consecutive year in the r9ole.

He said: “I’m really excited to have received the nomination and the votes for a unprecedented third year, but most importantly I am honoured that the city council is confident in my ability to continue in the role.

As part of his ongoing tenure, Cllr Hardie says he aims to continue to work hard to liaise between the public and consultants in the ongoing upgrade and replacement of the city’s flood defences, which was necessitated by River Elwy’s bursting its banks in 2012.

Cllr Hardie added: “There are advantages to having someone continue in the post, including offering consistency and a network on contacts built up in the previous years.

“One of the biggest challenges over the past two years has been working with National Resource Wales to achieve the new flood plan while remaining sympathetic with the comings and goings of the residents.

“Even though it’s fantastic to have the funding, the work itself has been quite challenging and disruptive, but we’ve managed to work together and through regular meetings overcome the difficulties.

“I’m retired, so I can offer all my attention to making sure its as smooth a transition as I can. I agreed without hesitation to have my name, number and e-mail displayed on notice boards so anyone could contact me with concerns – which I hope to continue to address if need be.”

Originally from Merseyside, Cllr Hardie and his wife, Gwenda, who is the mayoress, settled in St Asaph 25 years ago.

He became a city councillor in 2013 and mayor three years later.

During the coming year, the mayor says he intends to tackle some new issues while embracing the changing face of the city.

Cllr Hardie said: “I have concerns about the city, particularly the volume of heavy goods vehicles using the High Street – particularly when many of the city’s children are walking to school.

“I’m hoping that by working with Denbighshire County Council, we can work together to conduct some atmospheric testing of the High Street, and in other congested areas of the city, to help reduce vehicular pollution.

“However, there are also many positives to look forward into in the coming year.

“Like all St Asaph residents, I’m so proud of the cathedral and very excited to with the new interactive facilities.

“I look forward to hopefully seeing more visitors stop off in St Asaph and boost the city’s businesses, while also opening it up to the city’s community groups in new ways.”