The new mayor of Bungay plans to encourage more community interaction and listen to residents’ suggestions for the town during his year in office.

Mick Lincoln was voted into the role at Bungay’s Annual Civic Evening on Monday, May 21, with Susan Collins voted in as deputy mayor.

Mr Lincoln, 66, previously served as deputy mayor last year.

He said: “It feels like a very big privilege and a role I am proud to be stepping in to.

“First of all Bungay is a very beautiful town and an excellent place to raise a family.

“It is already a fantastic place but I hope to be able to make a difference and it would be nice to help it grow even more.”

The new mayor explained there was no singular area in which he plans to focus; rather he will try to improve the council’s links within the community and promote new channels of communication.

Mr Lincoln said: “At the moment we would like to establish a new post within the council that would work more closely with the community.”

This new position would act as the council’s eyes and ears and provide residents with a clear point of contact.

Mr Lincoln added: “It is something we have not got at the moment but it is important to make sure all the things people think would be a good idea for the town are listened to and if possible acted on.”

Mr Lincoln joined the council three years ago and has lived in and around the town since 1984.

He initially moved to the area to take up a position as head of English at Bungay High School, going on to serve as deputy head at Sir John Leman High School in Beccles and finally taking on the role as headteacher at Ormiston Denes Academy in Lowestoft.

Former mayor Mary Matthews praised Mr Lincoln’s support during her time as council leader and said: “He has been a valuable source of energy and calm.

“I am absolutely certain that Bungay Town Council will grow and strengthen under his leadership.”

She added that her time as mayor was “a real honour” and said: “I am proud to have represented the town.”