Walsall Mayor bids farewell on last engagement
Walsall's mayor has marked his final engagement as his term has come to an end after two years.
Councillor Paul Bott's final engagement on Tuesday was to open a new community library at Moxley People's Centre.
Councillor Bott said: "It is great that my last engagement was opening the new community library at the centre, the idea for that has taken place in the pandemic which showed the need for these facilities.
"The new book exchange in Moxley is very much needed, it is a deprived area and it gives the children a place to go and learn in their community."
His wife Councillor Chris Bott, who like her husband represents Darlaston South, added: "Having a new facility like this in the centre will go a long way to helping those who are isolated.
"In the pandemic, elderly people have really relied on their libraries as they can get through so many books, so to have this service will go a long way to helping them.
"Paul has really enjoyed his last engagement as mayor and has had a wonderful last two years."
Councillor Bott was born on the Rough Hay Estate in Darlaston and has served the ward for 20 years.
Speaking about his final project as mayor, Councillor Bott said: "I am pleased that my time has come to an end and now someone else can have their turn.
"I must say a big thank you to Walsall Council staff, the library and to everyone who has donated to the mayor's charities, the Samaritans and Too Many Tears animal rescue."
The community library will open on the second week of June. Visitors can turn up and there is no need to pre-book.
