Glyn Dobson was sworn in as Ottery’s mayor for a record fifth year following uncontested elections to the Town Council.

Cllr Dobson, who has been in the position since 2007, said it was a privilege to be the town’s longest-serving mayor, and is looking forward to seeing some long-standing projects finally come to fruition.

He said: “This next year should be very exciting, we have the new supermarket opening, the footbridge to be completed, and the skatepark being finished.”

But he revealed his main aim will be to try and get progress on a development at the redundant factory site, and is dialogue with the owner.

Glyn was voted back into the position without challenge at Monday’s Town Council meeting with Councillor Elli Pang, who seconded the nomination, thanking him for his work as mayor. Upon being sworn in, he said to the other councillors: “Thank you for the support, because without the team around me we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do.”

Councillor Holmes was returned as Deputy Mayor, and Councillor Paul Lewis continues as the council treasurer, both unchallenged. The council has a new planning chairman as former deputy Paul carter moves up to replace Pete Williams who has stepped down from the council, and Councillor Abbott will be the new deputy.

The meeting was the first since May 5 elections, where each ward in Ottery was uncontested, leaving two vacancies. The council agreed to advertise the positions, one in the West Hill ward and one in the North ward, to candidates, and anyone interested should contact the Town Council office on 01404 812252.

The council also agreed on Monday to apply to East Devon District Council for a change of use at the redundant Flexton toilets so the Heritage Society can use one of them as storage.