New Shifnal mayor is elected amid support for predecessor

Councillor Susan Broderick was voted in by her fellow councillors last night. The vote, made at the ordinary meeting of the council in the town's Old Fire Station, was called after outgoing mayor Mark Mountford handed in his resignation as both mayor and councillor earlier this week.

Mr Mountford was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work in May this year after pleading guilty to 13 charges connected with a poster business he ran from home.

Now he is due in court within weeks for a proceeds of crime recovery hearing, and said he has stepped down from his post to save the council from further embarrassment.

Members of the council used the meeting to pay tribute to the work Mr Mountford had done during his time in office.

Councillor Gordon Tonkinson said: "I think a lot of people in Shifnal believe Mark has done a good job for this town.

"I speak for many people in Shifnal when I say I find it difficult to accept why Mark has done this, but I can understand it.

"I wish him all the best for the future and wish him a quick return to the council."

Councillor Graham Weaver said: "In the past five months he has stood as mayor he has done more than the previous two years."

Councillor Broderick was elected as deputy mayor in May, but will now hold the mayoral post for the remainder of the year. The election of a deputy mayor was delayed until the next council meeting, as the two nominated councillors were not present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, residents have been sending messages of support to the town's outgoing mayor. On Facebook, people have responded with sadness to the news of his resignation.

Margaret Smith said: "No one wants you to resign, reconsider."

Michaela Kelly said: "We'd all like you to stay, but understand you need time. You did so much in such a short time for the people of Shifnal."

Debbie Carter said: "All the Shifnal people have faith in you, don't give up on them, or yourself, carry on doing the great job you do."

Rosemarie Hill said: "Mark, you are one of the good guys. I think you should listen to the people who still want you as Mayor and can see what a great job you have been doing."

Diane Davies said: "You are the best thing that has happened to Shifnal for a good many years and have the support of all of us. I just wish that you would reconsider, you are no embarrassment to Shifnal at all, on the contrary, you are a massive asset."

Mr Mountford's sister Valerie said: "He has done so much for his town, people are saying it is like Shifnal is in mourning."