Blackpool celebrates new first citizen

Ingthorpe councillor Kath Rowson was awarded the chains of office by former mayor Peter Callow at her official inauguration at Blackpool Town Hall on Monday.

In her first speech as Mayor of Blackpool, she vowed to fight negative stereotypes and present her home town in a shining light.

She said: “I was amazed at how nervous I was. I thought of all the years I have got up on top of my soapbox at the Town Hall - but this was totally different.

“It’s a great honour to represent my home town. It was lovely that so many family and friends and colleagues were there to support me and help me celebrate.”

Coun Rowson has represented her ward for 17 years.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 20 years ago, her condition proved no barrier in her battle to clean up Kincraig Lake, and support of campaigns backing 30mph speed limits and resource care centres.

She said: “My plan as mayor is to put forward my home town in a good light.

“Every since 999 What’s Your Emergency, it’s been the in think to knock Blackpool, and people think that’s what the whole of the town is like.

“I would encourage people to come and see the real Blackpool and find out what we have to offer.

“There are so many residents in this town giving up hours of their time to help their community.

“I want to go around as many residents’ groups and community groups as possible to say thank you for all they do in the town.

“As mayor, every councillordoes their best for the town - that’s why we become councillors in the first place.

“Blackpool has it’s problems, but no more than any other town.

“I was born here and I think a lot of my home town, so I’d hate to let it be knocked.”