A DISPUTE involving the election of the deputy mayor of Oswestry looks to have been resolved.

Following meetings between leading councillors it is confirmed that Councillor John Price will be proposed as mayor at Mayor Making next month and Cllr Duncan Kerr will be presented as the deputy mayor in accordance with the seniority list of Oswestry Council.

As part of the discussions Cllr Mark Jones decided to decline the position of deputy mayor elect for 2019 to help provide a resolution to the issue.

Cllr Kerr said: “I am pleased that following our discussions a satisfactory and amicable outcome has now been achieved that now follows the long-established tradition of the council of how it elects its mayor and deputy mayor each year.

"The gesture from Cllr Mark Jones to decline the position of deputy mayor for 12 months is very much appreciated. The opportunity for discussions to clear the air, but to also recognise and accept a need to revisit how civic leaders in the future are elected, has been important.

"I would like to thank everyone that has worked hard to make this outcome possible.”

Chairman of the council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee, Cllr Chris Schofield acknowledged the public interest in the matter.

He said: “It has been pleasing to resolve this issue as Oswestry has many opportunities and challenges that demand the attention and combined efforts of all councillors.

"This matter is behind us and we look forward to the next civic year and continuing to work together for the wider benefit of the town.

"At the right time we will revisit certain of the procedures of the council but at present other matters that offer opportunities and funding for Oswestry have a much higher priority.”

The news follows the previous decision to do away with tradition and block Cllr Kerr from taking up the role as deputy mayor and install Cllr Jones in instead.