Councillor Jeana Hall was elected by the narrowest of margins to take the office of Mayor at Monday night's (13th May) town council meeting.

The contest between Cllr Terry Christopher and Cllr Hall was decided by just one vote, with one councillor abstaining.

Before standing down, Cllr Gerry Bright, who has served as mayor for two years, announced the resignation of Cllr Malcolm Jones, who had served the Drybridge ward for a number of years.

Continuing, he said he had been privileged to represent the town in the county, across the border and abroad.

Turning to the councillors present, he said: "I am indebted to you all for the support this last two years."

Thanking the macebearers and town clerk for their dedication to duty, he spoke of the guidance and strength he had received from Father David McGladdery.

"I would also like to thank the gentlemen of the press who have reported our business very fairly, in the Beacon and other papers," he said.

Paying a special tribute to his wife for putting up with him for the two years, he then thanked the people of the town for their support.

On taking office for the second time, Cllr Hall said she would do her very best for the town of Monmouth.

Cllr Jane Gunter was unanimously elected deputy mayor.

Monmouth Town Council issued this statement: "On Monday afternoon, (13th May) Cllr Malcolm Jones resigned as member of Monmouth Town Council for the Drybridge Ward.

"The procedure for a casual vacancy – a vacancy that arises during the term that councillors are appointed for, now starts, with a Notice of Vacancy.

"This notice allows 10 electors of the ward to request, by 4th June, that an election be held to fill the vacancy. If an election is requested, this will take place no later than 6th August.

"However, if insufficient requests to hold an election are received, Monmouth Town Council may co-opt a new member to replace Malcolm Jones."