THE new mayor of Warminster has pledged to reintroduce the Civic Reception to the town after its absence last year.

Conservative councillor Rob Fryer was elected as mayor at a council meeting on Monday night following a unanimous vote, with fellow Tory Cllr Tony Nicklin voted in as deputy mayor.

Cllr Fryer said: “I’m delighted to be mayor again and I hope I will live up to expectations.

“I would like to bring back the Civic Presentation as I think it’s wrong that there wasn't an event to congratulate volunteers who should have been rewarded last year.

“I would also like to get boats back on the lake in the park, which is currently undergoing an exciting regeneration.”

However, not all councillors agreed with his decision to reinstate the Autumn event.

Independent councillor Paul Macdonald said: “It is the talk of the town how our council has increased the rent for the foodbank at Dewey House.

“He is proposing feeding those who in most cases represent organisations and individuals that certainly do not need a sumptuous meal and a lot of pomp and circumstance.”

Cllr Fryer has chosen the foodbank as the charity he will raise money for during his time as mayor.