A PROMISE to give the youth of the town a say in its future has come from the new mayor of Clitheroe Coun John McGowan.

The town's first citizen for the next two years, outlined his hopes for the borough's future as he received the chain of office in the council chamber.

He told town and borough councillors, council chiefs, family, friends, residents and businessmen that the setting up of a Youth Council was high on his list of priorities.

There would also be regular Saturday surgeries for all townsfolk to air their problems and get help, and he hoped to establish a town band.

Coun McGowan's wife Pat will be Mayoress, and the retiring Mayor, Coun Stephen Holt will take over as his deputy.

The new mayor said: "The future holds many challenges for both the people of Clitheroe and its Town Council and I believe that if we work together, then not only will we succeed in tackling these challenges, but we will grow together." During the formal town council meeting, the new mayor performed his first official task and presented three town awards.

The first, for building enhancement and restoration improvements was awarded to solicitor John Houldsworth.

The second, for service to Clitheroe by residents, clubs and organisations was awarded to John Myers for his work with the local Pendle Club, Rotary Clubs and many others.

The final award for environmental improvements and contribution to the quality of life within Clitheroe was presented to Ribble Valley Borough Council for its recycling scheme.

After official business, town crier Roland Hailwood led a procession through the town, accompanied by mounted police, Town Sergeant Roger Hirst and the Halberdiers, a traditional and ancient guard present to protect the mayor and mayoral chains of office.

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