THE new mayor of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge said he feels’ honoured’ and ‘delighted’ to have been elected to take on the role.

At Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s annual town meeting on Monday (May 4) Cllr Mike Facey was appointed as the town’s new mayor for 2020/2021.

The outgoing mayor and mayoress, Cllr Andy Brewer and his wife, Lorna, stepped down after one year in the role.

Cllr Facey was born and grew up in Burnham-on-Sea. He went to St John’s School and later attended The King Alfred School in Highbridge.

He is a councillor on Somerset County Council and has owned Mike Facey Plumbing & Heating Contractors in Burnham-on-Sea for 30 years.

He has worked with the community in a number of roles including chairing Burnham Round Table or more than 15 years and also sat on the Burnham & Highbridge Medical Equipment Fund.

Speaking about his new appointment, Cllr Facey said these are ‘strange and unprecedented times’ and he is ‘under no illusions’ about the task ahead.

He said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been invited to take on the role of town mayor.

“I know that my time as Mayor will be full of challenges.

“My focus right now is to take a civic lead to help the council look to the future at a post-coronavirus community when we can embark on a recovery plan.

“The council, town clerk and officers will rely on their excellent relationships with the district and county council to work together for the benefit of our towns.”

The council also thanked Cllr Andy Brewer for his efforts during his time as Mayor.

Cllr Brewer and mayoress, Lorna Brewer, attended a number of public events to represent the town council.

Cllr Brewer gave thanks to those who supported him at the meeting and said he ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ his time as Mayor.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to have served as chairman and Mayor for the last 12 months and I have thoroughly enjoyed it,” Cllr Brewer said.

“I have met some great people in our community and had the pleasure of meeting other councillors and dignitaries.”

Cllr Brewer will continue in his role as chairman of the Planning Committee.

Sam Winter, town clerk for the town council, welcomed Cllr Facey to his new role as council chairman and said that she and the staff look forward to working closely with him to achieve ‘tangible improvements’ to the towns.

She said there will be a greater emphasis on community engagement to help the towns recover after the coronavirus crisis.