Robert Robinson has announced that he will be stepping down as the Town Clerk of Welshpool, but it could be 2021 before he calls it a day.
The Mayor of Welshpool, Cllr Steve Kaye, explained that Mr. Robinson will be reducing his commitment to the Council, leading to his retirement in the foreseeable future, believed to be 2020/21.
“The Council will be advertising for a Senior Manager in the coming few weeks with a view to them joining the Council staff in April 2019,” said Cllr Kaye. “This person is likely to come from private industry with a business background and may well be a Chartered Surveyor.
“Mr. Robinson will still head up the Council establishment alongside the new appointment of a deputy for approximately six months after which he will be reducing his commitment to three days a week.
“As the future of Town and Community Councils unfolds, the final retirement date for Mr. Robinson will unfold – likely to be 2020/2021.”
Cllr Kaye added that replacing Mr. Robinson is going to be “no easy task as his experience and commitment is exceptional”.
“The Council is grateful to Mr. Robinson for his commitment and for his offer to withdraw slowly so that there is a gradual handover of the Council administration and services. He will work with the Councillors to create a structure ready for his replacement.
“More importantly, it will give stability to the Council staff and Councillors. In turn this will be good for Welshpool.”
Mr. Robinson has been in the hot seat since 2006, when he took over from Ken Fletcher. During his tenure, several major projects have changed the face of the town including the one-way system, the retail park and relocating the Smithfield Market to its new out-of-town location.