THE Mayor of Wellington has been thanked for all his work over the past two years in promoting the town and supporting local organisations.

Cllr Gary James will be stepping down as a member of Wellington Town Council at the election on May 2 and also his position at Taunton Deane.

He will remain as Mayor until he hands over the chain of office to his successor which will be decided following the election.

But he told his council colleagues last week that it had been an ‘honour and a privilege’ to represent the town as Mayor over the past two years.

“I hope my performance has been up to the standard for such a position,” he said.

Cllr James said he had attended more than 360 engagements in Wellington and away from the town.

“Wellington has a great sense of community and I hope people moving into the town onto the new estates will feel welcome and get involved,” he said. “There are various schemes under way to improve our town and I believe the new council will come together for the benefit of the town.”

He thanked the councillors and council office staff for their support and his wife Bee, to whom he presented a bouquet.

And he added: “Thank you to the public for coming to our meetings and keeping us councillors on our toes.”

Cllr Andrew Govier, speaking on behalf of his council colleagues, said: “I think we would like to thank the Mayor and Bee for all their efforts – their enthusiasm has been amazing.”