New Mayor of Usk Looks to The Future
Published: 19 June 2018
In his inaugural speech on Sunday 17th June, Usk’s new Mayor, Councillor Alec Leathwood outlined the work he intends to pursue and progress during his year in office. These include seeking better representation for young people on Usk Town Council, by co-option of two young people onto the Council aged between 15-26, and using the results of the recent Future Usk Community Survey to inform and formulate an outline Town Plan by the end of April 2019
Councillor Leathwood referred to the main issues highlighted in the Future Usk survey which was completed in April by 525 people from Usk and the surrounding communities.
He said “An initial survey scan identified the 7 main areas that our Usk electorate would like Usk Town Council to look at when considering and developing plans for ‘Future Usk’ for the short, medium and long term needs of the town.
These are in summary:
1. Traffic management - flow and volumes of traffic through the town, speed, HGVs and parking.
2. The future of our high street – businesses, shops, services.
3. Better leisure facilities, especially facilities for teenagers.
4. The need for tourism and events to attract visitors and trade to the town.
5. Environmental issues – litter, derelict buildings, pot holes, dog mess.
6. Public transport, buses, alternatives - cycling, walking.
7. Improved communications across the town.
Now we have identified the main findings, the next step will be to carry out detailed analysis of the survey data over the summer, followed in Autumn 2018 by a series of solution seeking workshops and meetings involving the Usk community, neighbouring Community Councils and Monmouthshire County Council who have delivery responsibility for many of the issues and ideas raised in the survey results.”
The Mayor said it would be particularly important to revisit the report produced for Usk Town Council in 2017 by Consultant Ben Hamilton Baille, which strongly advocates a ‘Whole Town’ approach to solution seeking and town planning for the future.
Councillor Leathwood thanked Councillor colleagues for their dedication and commitment in working for the Usk community. He said this was the most hardworking and progressive Council he had ever worked on.
Councillor Leathwood has served on Usk Town Council for many years and this is the 5th time he has been elected by fellow Councillors at Usk Town Council as Mayor of Usk. He has a busy year ahead representing the town at functions and events and driving through the forward looking agenda outlined in his speech. Councillor Leathwood will also be raising money for his two chosen charities Kidney Wales and the Youth of Usk. He will be assisted in his duties by Consort Ms Jenny Mee, who is the current Responsible Finance Officer and Sessions House Manager for Usk Town Council.