Area’s new mayor takes up his post

“It is my great pleasure to have been elected as the first Lord Mayor of the new Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council,” he said.

“As the first citizen of the new council area, I am delighted to be able to take this opportunity to let you know more about your new Council.

“The council has been operating in shadow form since the elections in May.

“It is the vision of the new council to be able to build on the excellent work of our legacy councils.

“And as a new, larger council to be able to use our influence in a much greater way.

“The Shadow Council started off in a good position as the three councils of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon have a long and successful history of working together.

“Providing a smooth continuation of service and preparing to take on a new range of powers from central government has been our main priority from the beginning of the reform process.

“As the largest Council in Northern Ireland outside of Belfast, we have high aspirations for the future of our area and our citizens.

“We understand the importance of delivering cost-effective services and running first-class facilities that not only meet but exceed your expectations,” added the area’s new Mayor.