Type Town council Deputy Mayor Jane Gunter | Mayor Chris Munsloe Seats 16 | |
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Monmouth Town Council is the town council of the traditional county town of Monmouth, south-east Wales. The Council comprises 16 members, who are elected every five years. The Mayor is the titular head of the Council. Currently the position of Mayor is held by Chris Munslow, and the Deputy Mayor is Jane Gunter; both were elected at the annual general meeting of the Council in May 2016. The Council has its offices in the Shire Hall, a Grade I listed building owned by Monmouthshire County Council.
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Monmouth is located within the principal area of Monmouthshire (Welsh: Cyngor Sir Fynwy), one of the 22 unitary authorities of Wales.
Responsibilities
The Town Council is responsible for a limited range of local government functions, including street cleaning, children's play areas, the town's Christmas lights and floral displays, civic events, and grants to local organisations, and is consulted by the County Council on other matters including planning applications. It operates a community projects grants scheme.
History
During the reign of William the Conqueror, a castle was built in Monmouth to control the area and its resources. In addition to the castle and Benedictine priory, the town also had burgesses in medieval times. Burgesses had an exclusive control over trade in the market. This monopoly created the need for a local government organisation, which evolved into Monmouth's town council.
Shire Hall
Shire Hall is the meeting place of the Council. Located in the town centre, Shire Hall is a Grade I listed building. It was built in 1724, and was formerly the centre for the Assize Courts and Quarter Sessions for Monmouthshire. It is owned by Monmouthshire County Council, and beside serving as town hall of Monmouth, it is also used as the town's Tourist Information Centre.
Mayor
The Mayor of Monmouth is the titular head of the Council. Incumbent mayor is Gerry Bright, who was re-elected in the annual general meeting of the Council on 14 May 2012. The position of Deputy Mayor is held by Jeana Hall.
Council members
Monmouth has five wards: Town, Dixton with Osbaston, Drybridge, Overmonnow, and Wyesham. Four county councillors are elected from these wards for Monmouthshire County Council. In the Town Council there are 16 members, who are elected every four years. Each ward has four members in the Council, except Drybridge, which has three representatives, and Town ward with one representative.