AS LONG-TERM readers of this letters page know, I am not shy in letting my love for Oswestry shine through my contributions to this page.

I must admit I am only slowly catching up on the comings and goings of the town over the last month, given some time resting after testing positive for Covid-19, so bear with me as I get up to speed.

I must praise both Councillors Duncan Kerr, the town mayor, and Chris Schofield for the kind words they exchanged recently following the latter’s decision to stand down from his time in Oswestry.

Now, I’m not a political animal but Conservatives and Greens do not good bedfellows make.

So how refreshing to see the quotes from the reporter’s story of how much respect Mr Kerr – who is a Green – had for a Tory in Mr Schofield.

I have no doubt, from reading the pages of the Advertizer when I am in town, that the pair have clashed loudly on issues across the years.

In fact, Mr Schofield has been quite to the point voicing his opinion on how he has felt other councillors have behaved.

And in fact, he himself has also received it both barrels in return, and opinions can turn quite nasty in the heat of the moment.

But as Mr Schofield said, at the end of it all, they are there to serve the people of Oswestry and both men felt the other worked their socks off to do so.

Congratulations on your time at the council Mr Schofield and hats off to you Mr Kerr in your year at the top.

As for the rest of you, take heed from what people can do when they show respect, even if they don’t agree.

Also, I hope all in Oswestry are well and getting behind the town as it reopens.

It is absolutely vital that businesses have taken the risk of reopening straight away get the support of you, the townspeople.

I have no doubt you will also rise to the task splendidly.

Steve Jacobs,

Wrexham