THE NEW Mayor of Marlborough was sworn in at a ceremony this week and has already set his sights on bringing more people to the town.

Coun Noel Barrett Morton took on the role of the mayor at the ceremony in the Town Hall on Monday, now acting as the 706th mayor of the town. Already addressing his aims for the town, Coun Barrett Morton shared a few words at the meeting about what he planned. Coun Barrett Morton has been a councillor since his election in 2011 and with his wife and mayoress Susan has one daughter and two grandchildren.

Coun Barrett Morton, a retired pilot, said: “There are many major initiatives in the council pipeline, from the production of a Neighbourhood Plan well in progress, new and improved public lavatories and asset transfers from Wiltshire, to name a few.

“One other initiative which I will do my best to promote is the Coach Friendly initiative which would help to make Marlborough a destination for tourists and increase the footfall in the High Street.”

During his speech Coun Barrett Morton paid tribute to the former mayor Coun Margaret Rose for her time in office.

“I would like to pay tribute to the retiring Mayor Margaret Rose for her dedication, hard work, charm and dignity. Indeed also those distinguished past mayors it is my privilege to know. They have contributed time and energy to this community. They will be a difficult act to follow,” added Coun Barrett Morton.

As part of his new mayoral role, Coun Barrett Morton announced his chosen charities for the year, following on from Coun Rose’s chosen charity – the Brain Tumour Trust.

Coun Barrett Morton, who is also a Freeman of the City of London for his services in the saddle industry, said: “I am pleased to announce that my charities for this year are Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Swift Medics. I have full admiration for what they do. Swift Medics, staffed by doctors, also do similar work in saving lives, not always with a helicopter but using cars to get to the scene of the accident.

“Either of these two charities could potentially save the life of any one of us living in Wiltshire and in bordering counties. I believe they are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and on average attend two or three potentially lifesaving missions a day.”

As well as having experience as a pilot, Coun Barrett Morton also has an understanding of finance and property development. An experienced rider, Coun Barrett Morton competed in a number of riding events until an accident put an early end to his equestrian pursuits and flying career.