AFTER 15 years representing her home town, the Mayor of Neyland has handed over her chains of over for the last time.

On May 19, four-time mayor Cllr Maureen Molyneux officially retired from the Town Council, handing over the reins to town and county councillor Simon Hancock.

Cllr Molyneux said she had been proud to represent her town, and had thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life.

“Serving on Neyland Town Council has been an important part of my life and has proved to be a very rewarding and varied experience,” she said.

“The milestones and historic events, especially over these last two years, in the office of Mayor will be wonderful memories.

“I have had the privilege and honour of unveiling the replacement statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and travelling to Sanguinet, France with my then-consort Cllr Aden Brinn for the signing of our two towns Twinning Agreement.

“Myself and my mayoress Cllr Jenny Rayner, along with other with council members, also had the pleasure to welcome and host a very successful four-day visit for the Mayor of Sanguinet and Twinning Committee.”

She added that seeing the development of the towns play park was also a highlight, and raising more than £7,000 during her year in office.

“I want to say how very grateful I am to all the wonderful people who have supported, encouraged and been there for me.

“A special thanks goes to my family, for their love and support in all my endeavours.”

This will be the sixth time Cllr Hancock has been mayor, and he said he is looking forward to helping develop ‘the community that he loves’.

A councillor for 27 years, he chairs the Neyland Youth Project and Neyland Ahead Community Association, is treasurer of Age Concern Neyland and Honorary President of the Brunel Festival Association, Neyland Ladies Choir and Neyland Judo Club.

He paid tribute to Cllr Molyneux for her hard work as mayor, and also welcomed HOPE MS Centre secretary Margaret Brace into her role as deputy.