Shifnal Mayor forced to quit but not ruling out a return
A town mayor who is to step down from his role because of upcoming legal proceedings said he has not ruled out a return at a later date.
Councillor Mark Mountford was speaking as fellow members of Shifnal Town Council said they would be sorry to see him leave after he announced he would step down from his position as both councillor and mayor at the authority's next meeting.
In April he admitted 13 charges connected with the poster business he ran from his home and in May he was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, shortly before being elected. Now, he is due in court within weeks for a proceeds of crime recovery hearing, and says he is stepping down from the council to save them from embarrassment while the proceedings take place.
He said: "It's a shame because I was really enjoying it, and think I was doing quite a good job of it, but enough is enough and I will not bring anymore embarrassment on myself or the new council.
"I will seriously consider returning to the council, but for now I think this is the best decision for me and the council."
Councillor Kevin Turley, said: "It's a shame he is standing down. This council has really gelled together with a good leader at its helm.
"We were just starting to turn Shifnal around.
"I can completely appreciate his reasons but it is a real shame that it had to happen, but I wish him all the best for the future and wish him a quick return back to the council."
Councillor Richard Carless said: "It is a shame, he has obviously added a new life to Shifnal."
He added: "We've certainly listened to people and a lot of us got involved with the council watching what Mark was doing last year before we got elected.
"He's what Shifnal needs, he's born and bred. He really has got Shifnal's best interests at heart."
