Our New Mayor – Cllr Bryan Futers
Introducing Cllr Bryan Futers as the new Prudhoe Mayor and Chair of Prudhoe Town Council.
Bryan is one of the longest standing Cllrs on Prudhoe Town Council and he felt the time was right to take the helm. Bryan was not born in Prudhoe, but he certainly grew up in Prudhoe attending every school in the town, during his younger years. Bryan’s family tree in Prudhoe dates back to the 1800’s and continues now. Bryan and wife Marilyn raised their family in Prudhoe, with their two daughters previously and three grandchildren now, attending local schools and clubs.
Bryan is enormously proud of his hometown and looks forward to supporting the people of Prudhoe, as he has done as a ward Cllr, and now also as Mayor. Bryan’s daily walks take him around each ward of the town; his eyes and ears are open to seeing what is happening and what needs to be addressed, as well as listening to residents.
Bryan worked at Kimberly Clarks for 29 years and remains the Town Council’s representative on the Essity Community Forum. As Mayor, Bryan hopes the Town Council can get more involved in the business community, supporting Front Street traders and businesses throughout the town. Bryan described that this last year has been so difficult for many, but there was also so much to be proud of, especially how well the Prudhoe community came together to support each other during the pandemic.
The redevelopment of Highfield Park Skate Park gets top marks for being something really exciting to look forward to. Bryan has been involved in the project as a ward Cllr and is keenly aware that the young people cannot wait for construction to start. Prudhoe Town Council is firmly behind this project, which is demonstrated in the £180k budget, and want to make sure the design is truly inspiring.
Bryan hopes that as COVID restrictions relax and eventually we get back to normal that the Town Council can reintroduce town events and community initiatives. Links with schools and community groups were limited in 2020, but with an ambitious new Council, anything is possible.
Cllr Carol Stephenson was elected Vice-Chair of the Council and will support Cllr Bryan Futers in his role as Chair/Mayor. As a newly elected Mayor the support of council colleagues is paramount, and members of Prudhoe Town Council are eager to work together for the benefit of the town.
Outgoing Mayor Cllr Tracy Gilmore said she had been honoured to serve the people of Prudhoe as Mayor since 2018 and wished Cllr Bryan Futers the best of luck, hoping he enjoys the role as much as she did. Having worked closely with Cllr Futers since joining the Council in 2017, Cllr Gilmore was sure the Mayoral Chain was in very safe and capable hands, a sentiment expressed by council colleagues.
Cllr Bryan Futers will Chair the first Ordinary Meeting of Prudhoe Town Council on 23rd June and will attend his first official engagement as Mayor tomorrow, for the opening of the Pocket Park on Front Street.
