Halstead's newly elected mayor aims to put tackling antisocial behaviour and pushing for progress on a closed footbridge at the forefront during his time in office.

Former vice chairman Andrew Munday has been chosen to succeed Shirley Diver and take up the reins for the next 12 months.

Mr Munday, of Ashlong Grove, will also lead Halstead Town Council as chairman, along with the help of newly appointed vice-chairman, Mick Radley.

Mr Munday, who has been a town councillor for seven years, said: “I feel very privileged and honoured to be given the support of the town council to become Halstead’s new mayor.

“I want to continue in the footsteps of previous mayors and keep up all of the good work the town council does.

“I want to see activity on reopening the riverside footbridge continue and get that sorted.

“I also want to see the number of antisocial incidents in the town reduced. As a town council we have limited ability to influence this but we will certainly continue to lobby and work with the police.”

Mr Munday added: “I want to thank Mrs Diver for all of the fantastic work she has done as mayor. It is a little daunting taking over but I am excited and hope I can live up to the role.”

Mrs Diver will continue to serve as a town councillor following her two year spell as mayor.

She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me during my spell.

“I have some very good memories and have met some fantastic people who I will stay in touch with.

“I’m very pleased for Andy. I think he will be a very good mayor and once he’s found his feet he will do really well.

“Halstead is in good hands.”