Veteran councillor takes chair role

One of the longest serving Welshpool town councillors, Phil Pritchard, is back in a senior role on the town council.

The former President of the Football Association of Wales has been a vociferous figure from the benches of the council chamber in recent years, but is back at the helm of an influential committee after winning a vote last night.

Cllr Pritchard was elected as Chair of the Strategy, Policy and Development Committee by a vote of 5-3 over Cllr David France, the same margin that saw fellow veteran councillor Estelle Bleivas elected as his Vice-Chair over newcomer Cllr Morag Bailey.

“Thank you,” said Cllr Pritchard. “I hope to be able to serve you well.”

His first meeting started well, with three of the decisions made passed unanimously.