Town mayor sends out New Year message of hope

* The mayor, Cllr Austin Cheminais.

Llangollen will "rise like a phoenix" into the new year after the tribulations of 2020, says the town's mayor. 

In a positive message to residents as 2021 dawns, Councillor Austin Cheminais says: "What can you say about 2020?

"It’s summed up perhaps by some of the words that we’ve learned use over the last nine months self-isolating, pandemic, quarantine, lockdown, support bubble, social distancing. 

"Let’s hope that a new, more positive and optimistic vocabulary emerges as we move into 2021.

"Covid 19 has surely tested our resilience!

"All our lives have been affected and changed by the pandemic and our thoughts and prayers go out to those families and friends who have lost loved ones, and those who continue to endure separation, illness, and job losses.

"Thank you to our amazing NHS, the emergency services, our health centre staff, care providers, shop workers and those involved in the many other essential public services that we now appreciate more than ever.

"What 2020 has demonstrated is that that our community is resilient, resourceful and caring.

"Llangollen’s relentless community spirit has brought out the best in us. Thank you for all your kindnesses big and small."

He adds: "A special thanks to those individuals who have stepped up and taken a lead and have mobilised and organised us to help.

"Many of you have volunteered and have shopped for each other, delivered medicines and meals.

"You have checked-in on each other, walked your neighbour’s dogs and crossed the road to let others walk safely.

"All without self-reward, only seeking to make life a little safer and better for those that need help!

"Thank you!

"Llangollen is a special place and it is a privilege to be part of the community. We should be proud and honoured that so many people from all over the world want to come and share our town with us.

"We will emerge Phoenix like in 2021. There are great days ahead, so let's get ready to greet our visitors and show them what a fantastic place Llangollen is.

"I look forward to the future with hope and optimism and to welcoming the World back to our wonderful town.

"Happy New Year, Llangollen."

"Let's hope we can all look forward to a better time in 2021."