Town Mayor

The Mayor of Knutsford (Town Mayor) is elected annually from amongst the councillors at the Annual Town Council meeting in May (also called the Mayor Making). The Mayor serves as both Chairman of the Town Council and the ceremonial figurehead for Knutsford

The title Mayor of Knutsford was first established in the late 13th century when the town was granted a charter however it became extinct and little is known of the early  mayors; the title was revived in 1974 when the Town Council was formed.

THE ROLE OF THE TOWN MAYOR

As first citizen of Knutsford, the Town Mayor fulfils an ambassadorial and ceremonial role representing the town. The mayor is invited to attend around 150 events every year, ranging from opening fetes and new shops, attending community events and representing the town at events such as the North West in Bloom awards.

The Town Mayor also chairs meetings of the Full Council and by virtue of office may attend and vote at all council committee meetings.

Each year the Town Mayor also raises funds for chosen charities by hosting a number of community fundraising events and an annual Civic Ball.

Cllr Colin Banks
Town Mayor 2024/25

COUNCILLOR COLIN BANKS

Colin Banks was elected Town Mayor in May 2024.

“As well as being a tremendous honour to be elected Town Mayor by my fellow councillors, I am conscious that I am new to the Council and relatively new to the town too.  I moved here 12 years ago when my wife, Christine and I intended to marry.  It is a testament to how friendly a place Knutsford is that I am now in this position with a packed-out school hall at the Mayor Making.

Last May, when a unprecedented change in the Town Council took place, a total of 10 independents were elected.  I feel that this was an indication that Party Politics is seen as less important in government at this very local level.  I am proud to say that all our councillors work so well together and any differences are expressed respectfully.  We all have the benefit of the Town and its people at the forefront of our focus in council.

My intention this year as Mayor is to focus on the needs of young people. I hope to visit all the schools in Knutsford to introduce the work of the Mayor, Town Council and the unitary authority for the attention of the students.  When the time comes to step up and vote for the first time they will know a bit more about what we do, maybe realise that they can also join the council or volunteer in groups around town.  The focus on our youth continues with the  first of my nominated charities.  Just Drop In offers free to use counselling services to those teenagers struggling with poor mental health.  It is not always easy to find help when you need it, but Just Drop In offers this both in school outreach and in their Knutsford Office.  I know their ambition is to widen the service to include  18- 25 year olds.  Mental health is the hidden sickness in our society and I think Just Drop In is an invaluable asset to Knutsford.

My aim is to emphasise that we live in one town, Knutsford.  No stigma should be attached to living in one neighbourhood or another.  I am to hold civic events across the Town to try and bring people together in a common purpose and shared citizenship as Knutsfordians.  We will have had the Mayor Making in Manor Park School, Mayor’s Curraoke night in Shaw Heath Club, Family Fun day in St Helena’s field  , Mayor’s Country Walk through the wilderness area opposite Longridge Estate etc, as well as many more fun and fundraising events across town.  My second charity The Welcome organisation has this same ethos.  A hub for local people it seeks to reach out across Knutsford to provide a plethora of services.  It took over Meals on Wheel when the CEC dropped it, provides language lessons for non English speakers, introduced boxing lessons for young people, ran a course of woodland crafts last Summer, advisory service on benefits, housing etc, as well as their excellent Welcome café.  They coordinate The Bread and Butter Thing which sells surplus food out of Manor Park School, at very good prices around 25% of cost.  I think they help so many across the town, the new Chair Simon deserves the support of us all.

In am committed to continuing Cllr Coan excellent work on the proposed new medical facilities so badly needed in Knutsford.  I am proud to be Mayor during our 50^th Anniversary as Town Council, and also the inauguration of the newly refurbished Market Hall.  I will sit on the board of the Heritage Centre too as well as continuing to represent the Town at Manchester Airport Consultative Committee.

It will be a busy year but I promise to do the best I can in being our First Citizen with my wife Christine as Mayoress by my side.”