ELECTING NEW FIRST CITIZEN OF BRIGG PUT ON HOLD DURING LOCKDOWN

Brigg will not be electing a new Town Mayor  as planned later this month due to the Coronavirus emergency and lockdown.
The appointment of a new first citizen to serve for 12 months has been put on hold, anud suggestions it would be insensitive and inappropriate to hold the usual cheery Mayor-making ceremony in the present climate.
Current Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall will continue in this role until it is thought appropriate to induct a successor.
Waiting patiently to become Town Mayor for the first time is Coun Brian Parker, currently Deputy Town Mayor and Mayor Elect. He also chairs the Planning & Environment Committee.
Coun Riggall told the authority's latest meeting that Coun Parker would make a fantastic Mayor.
Coun Carl Sherwood said Mayor-making was a joyous occasion. "I just don't think it's right to do it at this time," he stressed.
Coun Rob Waltham suggested it would be unfair if the new Mayor did not get the opportunity to serve for a full year.
Coun Penny Smith felt it would be deeply insensitive to hold a ceremony at present.
Brigg's Mayor-making ceremonies are usually followed by an upbeat social gathering attended by councillors, guests and family members/friends of the newly-installed Mayor.
Mayors also attend many functions and events - all cancelled at present - and raise money for charity through a 12-month appeal fund.
North Lincolnshire Council has also decided not to induct a new district Mayor during the current virus-related emergency.
Picture of Brigg - seen above - by Neil Stapleton.