NORTHWICH’S new town mayor is setting out to make the council even more open to residents in need of support in the coming year.

Cllr Kevin Rimmer was elected by fellow Northwich Town Council members as mayor for the 2019/20 year, taking the chains from Cllr Alison Gerrard for a second term.

Cllr Rimmer, a care worker at Lostock Lodge, has already set about creating town council emails for all members, and wants residents to feel able to get in touch whatever the issue.

He said: “It’s really important that, be it positive, negative or indifferent, residents can get hold of us.

“I want to make myself as open as possible. That’s what we get elected for. Regardless of the issue, the one thing I can absolutely guarantee is that I will give 100 per cent.”

Alongside key issues such as boosting the railway services and adult social care, Cllr Rimmer wants to help the community understand their best point of contact for pressing issues, be it at town or borough council level.

He said: “If I don’t do anything else this year, I would like to be able to get the community to understand the difference between the councils.

“I want to give something back to the community, and at local level that’s what it’s all about – serving the community we live in and putting the time and effort in to do that.

“In a lot of cases, the issues raised can be addressed and we can make a difference. It’s about helping and supporting as many people as possible. There are so many more people in need of that support and help – they don’t know where to turn and have tried and got nowhere, and we are here to pick up the issue and get it moving. I will bang that drum as hard as I can.”

Cllr Rimmer previously served as mayor in the 2016/17 year.

He said: “I am genuinely humbled and proud and very privileged to serve a second term as mayor because a lot of people don’t ever get the chance. My fellow councillors have put their faith in me.

“It’s not about the person wearing the chain – you are just a figure able to represent Northwich – but if through the mayoral role I can help and support people then that’s fine by me.”

Cllr Rimmer will be looking to hear from charities in need of support through his mayoral events later in the year.

His daughter, Aleasha, will be his consort, and Cllr Linda Nelson his deputy.

Call Cllr Rimmer on 07947977585