Knighton’s new mayor wants the town to be the best it can be

Knighton’s new Mayor Councillor Tina Sharp said she wants the town to be the best it can be.

Councillor Sharp, who was deputy mayor in 2025/2026 did have a taste of life as mayor after stepping up to cover for the then mayor Councillor Tom Taylor during an illness.

Councillor Sharp will be supported during her mayoral year by deputy mayor Councillor Christine Branford, who has been mayor four times previously and this is her fifth time as deputy mayor.

Councillor Sharp said: “With Chris as my deputy we get on well and we will work together well and she has been the mayor several times, so we will do our best for the town.

“My main project for the year will be to try and get the old tennis courts on Bowling Green Lane transformed with a 3G, all weather pitch.

“We have already applied for some grants and a local business is keen to support the project and we would ask sports clubs and associations in the town, if they would like to get involved to contact the town council.

“It would be a great thing for Knighton because at the moment people have to drive to Rhayader or other places to access all weather pitches and with the price of fuel that is expensive.

“If we can get this project done it would save people travelling and hopefully bring people into Knighton.

“I will do the best that I can for Knighton because I am passionate about the town, I have lived here all my life and I want to make it the best it can be.”

Deputy mayor Councillor Branford said: “Tina will be a great Mayor and I wish her all the best for 2026/27 and I'm proud to be her Deputy Mayor.”

Out-going Mayor Councillor Tom Taylor thanked all members for their support during his year, particularly Councillor Sharp, who stood in for him during his illness

He praised Tina for her devotion and diligence to this Council and said she deserves to be the Mayor in the coming year.

He said the council had achieved a lot during the year including re-opening the Offa’s Dyke toilets after four years of closure, giving a donation to a river testing scheme, improving two bus stops and putting pressure on to get bus services improved, beginning work to refurbish the Larkey Lane toilets, carrying out improvements at the allotments and submitting bids for funding for the old tennis courts and Pinner’s Hole stage.