'˜Respect' theme of mayoral year

New Fylde mayor Coun John Singleton with his wife Geraldine, flanked by deputy mayor Coun Ray Thomas and deputy mayoress Vivien Ivell

The Staining and Weeton representative was installed as successor to Coun Christine Akeroyd at a ceremony at Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion - and spoke of his pride at taking over the role after 10 years on the council.

“It is a great honour to be invited to be mayor and we are really looking forward to it,” said Coun Singleton, whose wife Geraldine will be mayoress. Lytham councillor Ray Thomas is the new deputy mayor.

As well as serving on Fylde Council since 2007, Coun Singleton has been a parish councillor in Staining for 16 years and during that time has successfully campaigned over bus services as well as creating the Staining flood action group.

In Weeton, Coun and Mrs Singleton have held numerous fund-raising events for a new village hall, which was completed 18 months ago.

His mayoral charities will be the Lytham St Annes RNLI’s Shannon appeal towards a new lifeboat, the stained glass window appeal at St Luke’s Church, Staining and the fund at Weeton Barracks which helps families in times of crisis.

“They are three excellent causes and I hope we can raise plenty of money over the next year,” said Coun Singleton, who is eager to also promote the theme of ‘respect’.

“I am looking forward to getting around and meeting the people of Fylde at various functions.

“My aim is that this will be a year of respect for everyone - we might not be able to change the whole world but we can all do our little bit and make a difference in that way. We live in a wonderful area and I am really proud to be mayor.”