VACCINES, transport, and the challenges of 2021 were some of the main talking points in a New Year’s message from the mayor of Llanfyllin.

Councillor Peter Lewis sent out the message that addressed the various challenges faced by the community in 2021, as well as their achievements and the hopes for what lies ahead in 2022.

His speech immediately addressed the shadow cast over the year by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which had resulted in carol singers in the Town Square being cancelled.

He said: “It was so sad to see Llanfyllin Town Square silent on Christmas Eve, especially for a second year.

“2021 has again been a challenging one for many. The pandemic is still very much with us and the recent Omicron variant has not let us forget that.

“2022 is here and for some could not come soon enough, New Year will hopefully mark an opportunity to make New Year’s resolutions. So as we say goodbye to 2021 let us reflect on the last 12 months which for Llanfyllin has been busier than ever.”

The reflections within the speech included topics such as the Transforming Towns Grant secured by Llanfyllin Town Council, transport developments such as the need for electric car charging points and retaining bus services, as well as saving one of the area’s biggest employers, Stadco, from closure.

The message also addressed the vaccine rollout, roads resurfacings and various admin changes within the town council.

Cllr Lewis also commented on the year ahead, highlighting upcoming events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the British National Enduro Mountain Bike Championship, and plans to hold the Llanfyllin Agriculture Show in 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19.

He added: “We as a town council hope to continue to be proactive in supporting our town to become a destination town and have plans to work cohesively with Llanfyllin’s broad and vibrant community groups to ensure we flourish again this year.

“I would personally like to thank all the members of Llanfyllin Town Council for all their hard work and support with a special mention to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jane Carrington.

“Lastly I would like to thank you all for supporting Llanfyllin and shopping locally and would like to wish you a Happy New Year.”