THE new mayor of Ruthin has said he is ‘very proud’ to take on the role and is looking forward to making headway in building a bright future for the town.

Cllr Ian Lewney, from Cheshire, first moved to Ruthin in 1989, and served as deputy mayor of Ruthin for the 2017-18 campaign in which the purchase of the old courthouse on St Peter’s Square, previously home to NatWest, emerged as a priority project for the Town Council.

Cllr Lewney said: “There has been a lot of effort going on behind the scenes to make the purchase of the building possible.

“We are working to get businesses on board and there will be an upcoming public consultation for the community to have their say.

Cllr Lewney, who has previously worked for local authorities in housing management, as well as teaching on the subject to college students, has valuable experience to bring to the role.

Cllr Lewney continued: “The purchase of the old courthouse is an opportunity to provide a town hall, to save one of Ruthin’s most iconic buildings, invest in heritage, and even provide some retail space.”

Ideas for the courthouse include a new office for the Town Council, a day-time art gallery, and an events space for groups and societies.

Alongside new deputy mayor Gavin Harris, Cllr Lewney will also look to increase tourism from surrounding areas but also further afield from Merseyside, Manchester and Cheshire.

Cllr Lewney said: “We are concerned about bank closures in the area and the negative impact this might have on town footfall.

“As part of our Ruthin Future programme following Ruthin Future Week we are looking at ways to increase the number of people coming into the town, such as achieving ‘Coach Friendly’ status.

Cllr Lewney added: “I would like to thanks Cllr Beach and Cllr Alsop-Robson for their support, as well as Cllr Roberts for encouraging me to stand for the role.”

Outgoing mayor of Ruthin, Cllr Jim Bryan, had raised £7,000 during his year in the role, which was shared between 15 youth clubs, including the Scout Movement, Cadets, and youth sports teams for rugby, cricket, football, tennis and hockey.

Cllr Bryan said: “It was a very good year. The highlights would be achieving Freedom of the County and the superb end of year concert that raised a significant amount to be added to our funding for youth clubs in the area.

“I believe any money raised by the council should be given back, and it’s nice that it can go to supporting young people and groups that are run by volunteers.

“I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their support, the town council’s clerk, Sandra Williams, who has been a godsend, as well as the Denbigh Youth Brass Band and compare Dilyn Morgan for their performance at the end of year concert.”