CLLR Andrew Malloy is to continue as Knutsford’s town mayor until November because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic have seen mayoral fundraising events and civic engagements being cancelled.

As a result the town council has agreed that Cllr Malloy should continue to serve as town mayor until November, and Cllr Stewart Gardiner be appointed as Town Mayor to serve from November to May 2022.

A report by town clerk Adam Keppel-Green to the council meeting said: “It is recognised that the role of Town Mayor has been severely impacted by the coronavirus restrictions which have resulted in the cancellation of fundraising events and the cancellation of civic engagements.

“It is also recognised that the investiture of the Town Mayor at the mayor-making ceremony is an important part of the civic year and the dignity of the office.

“Following discussions with the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor it is proposed that Cllr Malloy continue to serve as Town Mayor until November and that Cllr Gardiner be appointed as Town Mayor to serve until May 2022; each would serve a term of 18 months.

“It is intended that this would enable Cllr Malloy to finalise his civic fundraising and hold a civic ball and ensure that Cllr Gardiner receives an appropriate investiture and as ordinary as possible term as Town Mayor.

“It is therefore suggested that council does not hold an annual meeting in May 2020, and the 2019/20 civic year be extended to November 2020 when, after Remembrance Sunday, and subject to the restrictions having been lifted, the council holds a mayor-making ceremony, appoints the Town Mayor and makes any changes required to committees.

“The council would be required to hold an annual meeting in May 2021 where the Town Mayor would be reappointed and committees be re-established, but this would be held in the format of an ordinary Town Council meeting.

“Should the restrictions prohibiting a mayor-making ceremony to be held still be in force in November, an alternative proposal would be brought to the council.”