New mayor to be the "public face" of Vale (From Barry And District News)

New mayor to be the "public face" of Vale

A LONG-STANDING Barry councillor has been elected as the public face of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

In an unusual move, Cllr Emlyn Williams, who replaces outgoing chairman Cllr Tony Powell, has decided to exercise his right to be called Mayor.

The Conservative veteran, who represents Illtyd Ward, has been involved in politics for almost 30 years. This includes a stint on Barry Town Council, the former South Glamorgan County Council and later the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Seventy-nine-year-old Cllr Williams, who lives at Glen Afric Close, told the News: "I feel very proud and privileged to have been elected by my colleagues to this position, and this is reflected in my decision to be known as a mayor. I believe the use of the title of mayor is in keeping with the council's county borough status, the traditions of a civic office and the history of the Vale area.

"My aim is for a modern mayoralty and, in that respect, some of the more formal aspects, such as the wearing of robes, will be solely for formal civic and ceremonial occasions."

He added: "My main priority for the Vale is to encourage tourism into the area. The first matter I want to bring up is making a plan to turn Barry into a place tourists want to visit.

"I am committed to the regeneration of Barry and would like to see the town progress."

The deputy mayor will be Councillor Maureen Kelly Owen.

Cllr Williams is a family man and has a daughter and son with wife Joan. He was a probation officer for many years - a career he took up after early retirement from Dow Corning. He now devotes his time to the Council.

He said: "I love working in the council. I like to help people out and enjoy getting involved with people to sort out their concerns. I particularly enjoy meeting with people and finding out what they need help with."

Cllr Williams has nominated the Parkinson's Disease Society and the Holme Tower Hospice, Penarth, as his charities.