THE new Mayor of Cardigan Cllr John Adams-Lewis was installed at the annual general meeting of the town council at the Guildhall last night.

It is the fourth time Cllr Adams-Lewis has been town mayor, with his wife Morina alongside him as mayoress.

He thanked outgoing mayor Cllr Richard Jones and mayoress Elin Jones for their service to Cardigan over the past 12 months and past on his condolences for the recent loss of their father.

Cllr Adams-Lewis said: “I consider it a great honour to be mayor and will do my best to safeguard the interests of the town, especially public services which are under so much threat because of the cuts from London.

“We look forward confidently to the many activities in the town during the year and what better start that Barley Saturday, which attracted thousands of visitors to the town and gave such a boost to the town’s economy and also benefits so many charities. We appreciate all the hard work of the committee.”

Cllr Adams-Lewis singled out two particular issues in his acceptance speech.

“There is the danger of flooding in the St Mary’s Street area and many agencies are working on a permanent scheme which will cost millions. I look forward to work starting on that,” he said.

“I am also looking forward to the town council and Tai Ceredigion working together on the Maesglas play area which has been there for 60 years and is under threat.

“It is vitally important that the children have a safe place to play.”

Outgoing mayor Cllr Richard Jones thanked the town for its support during his year in office.

“I said I wanted to restart the carnival and I was very fortunate that I had a group of people who turned up and worked so hard to make it happen,” he said.

He also highlighted the success of the Halloween celebrations in the town and all the hard work that went in to improving the Christmas lights.

“People turned out to help and never said no to anything. They were amazing,” he added.

“I would like to thank the people of Cardigan who have been fantastic and supported us in everything we have done. I feel truly humbled.”

Cllr Shan Williams was installed as deputy mayor.