A NEW councillor to replace Llanfyllin mayor, Simon Baynes, has been elected.

Councillor Anne Williams was given the nod over two other candidates – Julian Sandy and Alison Alexander – at the full town council meeting last Wednesday.

Mr Baynes resigned to contest – and win – the Clwyd South seat at Thursday’s General Election, taking it for the Conservatives while Cllr Williams was chosen in a run-off against Mr Sandy, as Mrs Alexander was eliminated first.

Mayor Cllr Peter Lewis had the unenviable task of making the choice from the experienced line-up.

Cllr Williams, in her pitch, said: “I am a former councillor and feel I have a lot to offer the town. I set up a lunch club with great success and people still talk to me about issues in the town.”

However, Mrs Alexander, who presented a CV, and Mr Sandy – who has civil experience in his previous life on the south coast – will both be automatically put forward to the January co-option at the council.

Meanwhile, Cllr Lewis praised the town’s Christmas Fair organisers.

He said: “The fair was a fantastic success and thanked all those involved.

“Nothing but praise for everyone involved from the mayor.

“It was a nice night, dry but it was a community effort and I thank you all.”