New mayor of Sudbury Robert Spivey says town must strive to 'keep its character' as it continues to develop
The newly-elected mayor of Sudbury believes the town should endeavour to maintain its character, as it continues to develop and grow in the coming years.
Liberal Democrat councillor Robert Spivey was inaugurated at the annual mayor-making ceremony in Sudbury Town Hall last week, while two-time former mayor and Labour councillor Jack Owen took up the office of deputy mayor.
Taking over from the outgoing Sue Ayres, Mr Spivey will be serving his second spell as town mayor, after previously holding the post between 2014 and 2015.
Mr Spivey told the Free Press he was honoured to have been chosen by his fellow councillors for another stint in the role.
“I think the role of mayor remains an important one, because people in the community still value it,” he said. “In my last term, I was impressed by how important it was for people, especially while going to different events throughout the year.”
For his upcoming mayoral year, which runs until May 2020, Mr Spivey stated he wanted to help progress the council’s Vision for Sudbury and implement its business plan, while also supporting green and environmental issues, and pushing to maintain free parking in the town centre.
He said seeking solutions to congestion problems in busy areas like Cross Street would also be a priority, particularly in light of the expected traffic increase from the Chilton Woods development north of the town.
“I do think it’s an exciting time for Sudbury,” he said. “We have got to keep pushing things forward, but I hope we can do that on a basis where we keep the character of the town.
“The heart of the town is Market Hill, and we don’t want to lose that.”
At the mayor-making event, Mr Spivey also announced his two chosen charities for the year – the Sudbury branch of Citizens Advice, where he volunteers as a treasurer and a trustee, and Success After Stroke, a cause close to his heart, having recovered from a minor stroke a few years ago.
