BUILTH Wells has a new mayor.

Cllr Gwyn Davies, 37, was elected to the office Mayor of Builth Wells, when the Town Council met on Tuesday, May 21.

“Builth born and bred” Cllr Davies says “it is an honour” to take on the role as the mayor of his hometown.

A local farmer, businessman and pub landlord, he has been a town councillor since 2017 and his most recent role was as Deputy Mayor.

The Town Council had operated without a mayor since September, after former councillor Paul McNiffe’s resignation from the role.

Following several councillor resignations during the past 12 months, Cllr Davies says the town council has “turned a corner” with “brand new councillors who offer a range of different skills” that can help revive the town.

“Builth is ready for the change. It hasn’t moved on and it needs rejuvenating,” he said.

“Builth’s biggest problem is self-promotion and that people are not fully aware of what’s on offer.

“You wouldn’t get a nicer place to raise a family,” said the father of two.

“It’s got it all, but we need to start reminding people of that. We’ve neglected what the town offers to families.”

The new mayor says the town is “unique” and more should be done to promote it to shoppers and visitors.

Following several businesses closing on the high street, the Chamber of Trade was revived. Cllr Davies says “it’s made people sit up and pay attention by coming together and taking action.”

He added: “We need feet on the street and start working closely together to push tourists in to the town.”

In his first year as mayor of Builth Wells, Cllr Davies hopes to launch a Mayor’s Ball to raise money for local causes in late 2019.

Cllr Davies signed in as the new mayor following his election at the annual meeting in which Cllr Alan Waller was elected as vice-chairman.

He was joined by the new clerk to the council Louise Hammond, together with the members of the present council including councillors Denise Jones, Jo Jones, Meryl Prynne, Rev Brian Reardon, David Ronicle, Jane Walters and Christine Mavin.