Michael Wright elected Mayor

Picture: Deputy Mayor Les Burrows (left) being presented with his chain of office by new Mayor Mike Wright

COUNCILLOR Michael Wright has been elected as the new mayor of Epping. After receiving the chain of office from outgoing mayor Barbara Scruton, Mr Wright said: "It's an honour and privilege to be elected mayor of Epping. "I sincerely thank you, members of the council, for allowing me to stand here tonight. "I will fulfil the duties of th

is office to the best of my ability and will try to do everything I can to enhance the town." Mr Wright has chosen the Chigwell Riding Trust as his charity for the year. Councillor Les Burrows has been elected deputy mayor for 2015-16. Outgoing mayor Barbara Scruton reflected on her year in office saying it was "an honour and privilege" to have served the town over the past 12 months. She said: "2014-15 has been another successful year for Epping Town Council. She singled out the Christmas market, the Tour de France, the Town Show and the introduction of continental markets as highlights of her year. Mrs Scruton paid tribute to the council staff and Bill Towers who had retired as market superintendent after 22 years service. Mrs Scruton said this year's Christmas lights - which were upgraded for last year - would be further enhanced with a light curtain on the tower of St John's Church. Another addition to brighten up the High Street is the launch of Epping in Bloom, with Epping Horticultural Society, which will see planting and other initiatives to add floral colour to the town.