Machynlleth Town Council has become the first town or community council in Wales to support independence after its new mayor broke a deadlocked vote to back it.

In one of her first acts as mayor, Cllr Monica Atkins cast the deciding vote after five councillors had voted in favour and five against.

Cllr Rhydian Mason had put forward a motion to the council calling for support for independence and quoting from a booklet produced by YesCymru, which outlines various issues around independence.

He said: “This is by no means an exhaustive text - this gives background to what will become a real issue for Wales.

“There is no point in pretending any further that this is not achievable nor practical.

“This is our future.

“This has a direct impact on the next generation’s lives and their place as residents of Wales within a European and global stage.”

After the deadlocked vote, it was left to new mayor Cllr Atkins to cast the deciding vote, when she voted to back Cllr Mason’s proposal.

This makes Machynlleth Town Council the first town or community council to officially support independence for Wales.

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now