Bye says hello to new role

Cllr Richard Bye was officially handed the chains of office from outgoing mayor Cllr Ron Harris at a town council meeting on Tuesday evening.

Cllr Bye beat fellow councillor Richard Jessop to the role, following a council vote.

Cllr Bye joined Battle Town Council following election in May 2007 and represents Marley Ward.

Last year he was made deputy mayor and vice chairman of the council.

Cllr Bye thanked his fellow councillors for electing him as their new chairman before paying tribute to his predecessor Cllr Harris, who he said was “a hard act to follow”.

He said: “I would like to thank Cllr Harris for the hard work he has put in for the town over the last year.

“Well done and thank you very much from the town of Battle.”

This sentiment was echoed by Battle’s county and district councillor Kathryn Field.

Addressing Cllr Harris, Cllr Field said: “Thank you for the service you have given.

“You have been very hard working and dedicated.”

Cllr Sylvie Pry was elected the new deputy mayor and vice chairman of the council.