TOWN councillor Sandra Moorhouse has been re-elected mayor of Barnard Castle.
Cllr Moorhouse stood unopposed at last week’s annual town council meeting.
It is the third time in the last four years that she has worn the chains of office.
Deputy mayor will be Cllr John Blissett.
Both he and Cllr Judi Sutherland were nominated, and Cllr Blissett won the secret ballot 8-3.
Last year’s deputy mayor, Cllr Roger Peat, chose not to stand for either civic position but put Cllr Sutherland’s name forward.
In the council’s annual report for 2017-18, Cllr Moorhouse said it had been an honour and privilege to represent the town as mayor.
“The council works hard to manage its financial responsibilities to residents but is also endeavouring to take over responsibility for areas such as Scar Top and the Demesnes from Durham County Council,” she said.
Cllr Moorhouse said new members who joined the town council after last year’s local elections had contributed greatly and formed a strong team with longer serving colleagues.
“The council continues to work with partners to promote the interests of and influence delivery of effective local services.”
She said that during the year many jobs carried out by the town council went unnoticed.
“A lot of this work is carried out by a band of volunteers. There are close to 100 people involved in supporting the town council.”
A celebration evening at St Mary’s Parish Hall was organised to recognise their efforts in March.
Cllr Moorhouse said two significant mayoral events during the past year had showcased what Barnard Castle and the surrounding area had to offer visitors.
“One was a private behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle with a medieval dinner and the other was a classic coach tour to a remote farm and Rokeby Park,” she said.
“These were both well attended, especially by civic dignitaries from Scarborough to Gateshead, all of whom took away a favourable impression of our area.”
Other highlights included the Prince of Wales’ visit and the election of four new honorary freemen of the town.
Cllr Moorhouse thanked Cllr Peat for his at times “absolutely incredible” efforts as deputy mayor.
“On a sad note, I attended the memorial service to our former town clerk, Geoff Bosworth, who died after a long illness,” added Cllr Moorhouse.
“He worked hard for the town council and set a benchmark for us all to follow. That work continues, so my thanks to colleagues on the council and the staff for all their persistent hard work and commitment to the town.”
