ALTON Town Council's first meeting after the local elections saw the signing-in of Robyn Fitzer as this year's new Alton town mayor. Mrs Fitzer takes over from colleague, David Crocker. The occasion was ATC's annual meeting on May 9 which began with the election of town mayor for 2007/08. Newly re-elected to the Alton Eastbrooke ward after eight years on the council, and last year's deputy town mayor, Mrs Fitzer was the obvious choice. In handing over the chain of office, Mr Crocker said he believed Mrs Fitzer would be "an excellent representative for the town." In her acceptance speech, Mrs Fitzer paid tribute to Dave Crocker, for "a job well done". He had presided over "a tricky year" with major issues including the proposed development of the Coors brewers sports ground and the relocation of the sports facilities to ATC owned sites. And he had attended a large number of functions, all of them successful. The occasion was marked by the presentation to Mr Crocker and his wife and consort Sandy, of a bouquet of flowers, a vase and a coffee maker. Robyn Fitzer's consort for her mayoral year is to be husband, and former town mayor, Roger Fitzer. Her chaplain is to be Alton Methodist minister, Keith Underhill, and her charities for the year will be Cancer Research and a local youth charity – yet to be decided. This year's deputy town mayor is Jimmy Patel, while David Willoughby retains his position as council leader and Dave Crocker takes over as deputy leader. The council welcomed on board new member Beverley Carpenter who will represent Alton Ashdell ward along with David Crocker.
