Trowbridge has elected its new mayor at the first in-person meeting since March 17, last year.

At the first full council since the elections, Lib Dem Cllr Denise Bates was elected to the position of mayor with Cllr Graham Hill as her deputy.

Stewart Palmen was again elected to lead the town council and gave a speech outlining the town council’s green commitments, and its desire to take over services street cleaning and waste bin services from Wiltshire.

Alongside this was a commitment to make the council carbon neutral by 2030.

ALSO READ: Melksham Town Council abolishes leader roles

It was also confirmed by the leader that the issue of disabled toilets in the town park will be made a priority moving forward.

Additionally, he noted how positive it was that there were six women on the new council — four more than previously — but said work was still to be done.

Out-going mayor, Peter Fuller, who has been on the council since 1969 said that in his year as mayor he was particularly thankful for those residents who stuck to and continue comply with the rules, as well as those who took time to help their communities.

“There’s a lot to look forward to in the future,” he added. “Thank you for being so kind to me for too many years.”

ALSO READ: Protecting the high streets post-lockdown will be the new council’s number one priority

“In tribute to my predecessor Peter Fuller, I would like to thank him for his many years of dedicated service to the town council. He has always been a well-respected councillor and a strong advocate for our town,” Cllr Bates said.

New mayor, Denise Bates said she will continue to raise funds for Mr Fuller’s chosen charities – the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group and Dorothy’s House Hospice.

The new mayor added: “These worthy local charities, like many of others, have suffered with much reduced fund-raising over the past year.

“I feel both charities have in some way probably touched all our lives and I am very much looking forward to raising much needed funds for them over the coming year.”