THE new Mayor of St Davids says it will be a ‘great pleasure and a privilege’ to serve his community over the next 12 months.

Councillor Frank John took over the reins from Cllr David Halse at the City Council’s annual meeting last week, with Cllr Chris Taylor stepping up as his deputy.

Cllr John, who runs Frank's Cabs taxi service, said: “I can't believe that I am the mayor. I never thought it a few years ago when I put my name forward to become a councillor.

“I was born in St Davids and I'm very proud to be living in Britain’s smallest city. We don't realise how lucky we are to live in this wonderful part of the world. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful, and not forgetting the beautiful views on the coast path.”

Cllr John gave the vote of thanks to the outgoing mayor.

He said: “I would like to thank and pay tribute to Cllr David Halse for the excellent job he has done as mayor. It will be a hard act to follow. We wish him and his wife Stephanie the very best for the future.”

Reflecting on his year in office, Cllr Halse said: “It has been busy with many things going on behind the scenes - negotiations with the County Council to maintain services in the library, the toilets at Quickwell Hill and the Youth service provision - all successfully achieved.

“The most important issue has been the consultation about the future of Ysgol Dewi Sant. The community involvement has been amazing and I must pay tribute to all those who have been involved in raising the profile of our concerns.

“We continue to be involved in discussions about the road at Newgale, the future of the slipway at St Justinians and a potential housing scheme.

Cllr Halse concluded by paying tribute to his fellow city councillors, county councillor David Lloyd and the clerk Heidi Gray.

He said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as mayor and to participate in so many community events. All the very best to Frank and mayoress Carmel for the next 12 months.”