Parking tops agenda for Ludlow's new mayor
A retired newsagent has been appointed the new mayor of Ludlow – and immediately pledged to do "all he could" to tackle parking problems in the town.
Councillor Jim Smithers was officially appointed the first citizen of Ludlow at a mayor-making ceremony held at the town's Assembly Rooms last night.
He takes over the chain of office from outgoing mayor Tony Pound, who did not attend.
Councillor Smithers used to run a newsagents in the High Street, and is also chairman of Ludlow in Bloom and a former secretary of the town's Royal British Legion.
He accepted the role from last year's deputy mayor, Councillor Viv Parry, after being unanimously voted in by the five town councillors present.
Councillor Paul Draper was elected to serve as his deputy for the year 2013/14.
Speaking last night, the new mayor said: "I am honoured to accept this distinguished office and am going to do my utmost to honour the privilege of being the first citizen of Ludlow for the next 12 months.
"I first came to Ludlow in September 2000 to run a newsagent's shop in the High Street.
"I will always remember the sales director who interviewed me gave me one very important bit of advice. He said if you want to make your shop pay, make yourself a part of the community.
"I have always endeavoured to do that, and in 2003 one of my customers came into the shop and suggested I become a councillor, which I did. Ever since then I have tried to do my best for the town."
The new mayor said: "Parking in Ludlow has always been a thorny issue.
"I want to try and get everyone round the table – market traders, disabled people, the residents' association and any other interested parties – and see if we can thrash something out to suit everyone."
Councillor Smithers also made a public plea for people to come forward to serve on Ludlow Town Council to fill the six vacancies on the authority.
He has selected two charities for his coming year in office: the Ludlow branch of the Royal British Legion, of which he is a former secretary, and Community First Responders.
Councillor Smithers said: "Both of these causes are very much close to my heart. As an ex-serviceman and long-time member I am delighted to choose the Royal British Legion in Ludlow."
