THERE’S a new sharp-suited mayor in town.
Coun Steve Green - known for his smart dress sense and flamboyant shoes - was sworn in at the town hall on Friday night.
Coun Green, who has represented the Monk Bretton Ward since 2012, will be supported by his wife Tracey as mayoress.
Steve, who will celebrate his 60th birthday in July, is retiring after 44 years as a plasterer. “I’ve got one or two more jobs I’m committed to but in the next week or two, I’ll be done,” he said.
He’s timed it perfectly, as serving as mayor involves hundreds of civic duties and is effectively a full time job - for which there is no extra pay.
“It’s a huge honour and very humbling to serve as mayor of a place you are passionate about,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s a great year to serve as mayor as so much is happening in Barnsley. I’ll be opening the new market, and hopefully pushing the button on the demolition of the old multi-storey car park.”
The couple have chosen to support Barnsley Hospice and dementia charity BIADS through the Mayor’s Charity this year, and the mayor has vowed to take part in fund-raising events personally, including a planned Yorkshire Three peaks challenge this summer.
He has chosen ‘volunteering’ as his theme in recognition of the work of volunteers in all walks of life in the borough.
“Without volunteers this town would come to a standstill,” he said.
Outgoing Mayor Coun Jeff Ennis said: “I know Steve and Tracey will do a really fantastic job representing Barnsley in whatever form that takes. I am sure they’ll get just as much pleasure out of their mayoral year as myself and Margaret have had.”
Darfield councillor Pauline Markham was elected deputy mayor.
