Published: May 12, 2008
Burnham-On-Sea's new Mayor appointed by town councillors

Town and district councillor Peter Clayton was elected Burnham-On-Sea's new Mayor on Monday evening (May 12th).

Peter has been a district councillor for 16 years and represents Burnham North. He is currently the Leader of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and Chairman of the town council's planning committee.

His fiance, Jo Burridge, becomes Burnham's new Mayoress and the pair, pictured right, also announced that they are to marry on August 23rd this year.

The Mayor's deputies are outgoing Mayor Pauline Pollard and Cllr Derek Cooper, who is pictured above with his wife.

The Mayor's Chaplain for 2008 will be Christine Judson, Curate of St John's Church in Highbridge, pictured below.

Peter outlined his aims for the coming year during Monday evening's meeting. These include overseeing the completion of the Frank Foley Parkway and pushing for more traffic-calming measures in the area.

He said: "There are many issues outstanding in our towns, which I would like to bring to completition. The compleition of the Frank Foley Parkway is an aim I hope I can achieve during my term of office and at the very least start on the long-awaited Rosewood Farm recreation area," he said.

"Whilst I have no direct aurthority, I will be pushing Somerset County Council to provide traffic calming measures in many areas of our towns such as Stoddens Road, Berrow Road, Love Lane and Marine Drive to name but a few."

"I would also like to see the Highbridge Walrow railway bridge repairs completed and cause no further disruption to Highbridge."

"The Market development in Highbridge is also something I will be keeping a close eye on to ensure it is what the people of Highbridge want and deserve. No more three and four storey flats, please."

"I think the issues of anti-social driving along The Esplanade and other areas are well documented and I feel enough is enough and this year we must see some sort of action."

"I am looking forward to what should be a very exciting year, and I am pleased to have Cllrs Cooper and Pollard as my deputies."

Peter added that he will be encouraging councillors to work together - whatever their political colour - in order to succeed.

"I co-operate with all councillors from all parties and firmly believe we can all work together for a common cause," he said.