THE newly elected Mayor of Bay of Colwyn has said she hopes to help the town "pull together" amid disagreement over town centre proposals.

Merrill Jones, who served as Deputy Mayor for two years, said she has enjoyed being "out and about" to meet people in Colwyn Bay and surrounding communities after being sworn into her new role.

"I am very happy and proud to have been elected as the Mayor of Colwyn Bay, after having served for two years as Deputy Mayor," said Mrs Jones. "I’m also very grateful that the lockdown restrictions are starting to be lifted now, to enable me to get out and about and start meeting people again.

"When I first came on the bus to Colwyn Bay, back in 1969, and rounded the corner at Penmaenhead, I thought it the most beautiful place in the world. I still think so. It has changed a lot since then, but it is still a very nice community and a place I am proud to call home.

"The thing I think most important now is to encourage local residents and visitors back into our town again, to support all of our independent traders and breathe life back into the local economy.

"Whilst not everyone might agree with some of the improvements that are being proposed for our town centre, we must all pull together to ensure our town is a welcoming, vibrant and attractive place and celebrate and promote all that is good about Colwyn Bay."