Aberaeron cannot stand still and must remain competitive, vibrant and welcoming while also maintaining its integrity.

That was the message from outgoing town mayor Cllr Elizabeth Evans as she formally handed over to her successor, Cllr Katrina James, at Aberaeron Memorial Hall last week.

Cllr James will have Cllr Darryl Evans as her deputy and said it would be an honour to be the new mayor.

Reflecting on her third mayoral term, Cllr Evans said Aberaeron could look forward to some exciting opportunities.

“We must adapt, change and still stay the same,” she told colleagues.

“But above all, we must be ambitious for our town and its residents in all we do."

“The town clean-ups continue to be a success. We await our official plastic-free status, but we have in fact exceeded our target," she added.

“Yet we will continue with our campaign because there is no end to the work to rid our towns, roadsides and beaches of plastic – and there is still far too much plastic out there.

“The new 20mph speed limit in the centre of town is welcome, but will only be as good as the enforcing of it.

“The footpath down Rhiwgoch is under way and, finally, the children of Ffosyffin and Henfynyw will be able to walk to schools in Aberaeron safely.”

“Going forward, we will inevitably face further challenges," she said. "The defence of the harbour is the priority and our primary and secondary schools need investment, as does our very popular leisure centre."

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