MAYOR Jonathan Farmer chaired the last full meeting of his civic year as Wisbech Town Council celebrated its re-accreditation.

The town council was presented with its ‘Quality Town Council’ certificate by Steven Wilkinson, chairman of the Accreditation Board, and his officer Diane Bayliss.

Mr Wilkinson said: “It is a great pleasure to present Wisbech Town Council with this recognition of all the hard work put in by the Town Clerk, Erbie Murat, in achieving re-accreditation.”

Mr Wilkinson said the council’s portfolio, which included excellent financial management, code of conduct and town plan, was the largest and best organised he had seen.

Councillor Farmer collected the certificate before reporting on his busy year representing Wisbech as Mayor.

He highlighted an enjoyable trip to Wisbech Cricket Club, a shooting night at Kettering and a civic service in Louth as particularly enjoyable.

Cllr Farmer will stand down as Mayor on May 18.

The Mayor elect, Cllr Viv MacRae, congratulated Mr Murat on the quality council certificate and said she was looking forward to taking the reins.

Cllr David Oliver also gave town council members an update, stating that the Wisbech Information Centre will be open in two weeks.

New town guides and newsletters have arrived and a week of action to protest against ‘loan sharking’ is planned for May, with the Angles Theatre to put on performances highlighting the problem.