THE re-elected mayor of Malton has set out plans for the next 12 months.

Councillor Paul Andrews will serve a second year as the town mayor with Cllr Joan Lawrence taking over the role of deputy from Cllr Denys Townsend.

“Malton Town Council has had a very active year, we have carried out extensive repairs to the Chapel of Rest and cleared and tidied the cemetery itself an the clock on the old school house at Old Malton has been restored,” Cllr Andrews said.

“We also have a new team. Gail Cook has taken over from Mike Skehan as town clerk, and Mick I’Anson now leads the works team.”

Cllr Andrews added: “During the year I and Cllr Townsend have met the chief Executive and leader of Ryedale District Council and discussed many matters, including securing funds to protect Old Malton and Sheepfoot Hill from flooding.

“We have also urged them to revisit Ryedale’s car parking strategy involving other stakeholders such as the Fitzwilliam Estate, particularly in regard to car park fees.”

Cllr Andrews said County Councillor Lindsay Burr had donated £2,500 for the acquisition of a temporary pump for use in flooding emergencies and the town council was providing match funding and looking for extra money through grants.

“Malton Town Council has been consulted on the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, and has advised the Minerals Authority that we oppose fracking in the Vale of Pickering, including Malton) and the Yorkshire Wolds,” he said.

“The town council continues to support Cameras in Action and is contributing to the cost of modernising the existing system of town centre cameras.”

Cllr Andrews said that during the year a team led by Cllr Chris Turner has been preparing Malton’s entry to the Yorkshire in Bloom competition, and they hoped to get a good result when judging takes place this month.

The Malton and Norton Towns Partnership has also been busy, and a team led by Fiona Croft has succeeded in going some way to improve the riverside between the towns.

Cllr Andrews said: “As for the future, Malton Town Council will continue with this work.

“In particular the Town Council is committed to improving the Rainbow Lane Play Area, and we are looking at replacing some of the equipment in the Skate Park.

“Cllr David Lloyd Williams has chaired the Malton and Norton Neighbourhood Plan Project.

“This project has taken some time and it is hoped it will come to public consultation and be adopted by the end of March.”

Cllr Andrews added: “I would like to thank all my colleagues on the council for their contributions and support over the past year.”