CASTLE Point’s new mayor has been officially appointed at an annual council meeting.

The meeting, held every May, is where councillors are appointed to cabinet or to committees.

Cliff Brunt, councillor for Victoria Ward, in Hadleigh, and deputy mayor for the past year, was nominated for the mayorship by fellow ward councillor Colin Riley, who described him as a community man .

David Cross, councillor for St Mary’s ward, in Benfleet, was appointed deputy mayor.

Away from the ceremonial roles, leader of the council, Pam Challis, and deputy leader, Jeffrey Stanley, retained their positions as did all six other cabinet members. The responsibilities of Ray Howard, cabinet member for waste and environment, changed slightly to waste, floods and water management, while Peter Burch, cabinet member for leisure, took on responsibility for the environment.

In her address to the council, Mrs Challis thanked councillors for electing her to lead the council for a fifth consecutive year. She added: “It is a tremendous privilege, which I do not take for granted.”

Mrs Challis outlined the council’s priorities for the coming year which included community safety, regeneration, improving the cleanliness of streets and improving the lives of young people.