A RETIRED firefighter has become mayor of Knutsford for the third time.
Cllr Peter Coan was installed at the annual town council meeting by outgoing mayor Cllr Mike Houghton.
The dad-of-two said he was ‘really excited’ to serve his home town again.
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“It is a massive honour,” said Cllr Coan, who has been a councillor for 16 years and served as mayor in 2010 and 2018.
“I have been mayor before. The first year is an eye-opener.
“The second time you become more comfortable and relaxed because you know more people and your networks are a lot wider.
“This year, I know a lot more people and can do more joined up thinking between other towns, villages and parishes.
“There are issues which affect Knutsford and Tabley and Mobberley, but there has never been a joined up approach. That’s what I want to do.”
He followed late dad Victor to become a firefighter and served 34 years with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“I loved it,” he said.
“It was a career that gave me the chance to think on my feet and make effective decisions.
“I am able to deal with anything that crops up and manage things.
“These skills are all transferrable to council meetings.
“The ability to listen to people, establish issues and priorities and work to an end conclusion.”
Cllr Coan has vowed to make a difference to the local community and is looking forward to starting on the council’s new 10-year corporate plan.
He said: “I want to bring 60 King Street back into use, it means to much to local people.
“It is only fair that the people of Knutsford have use and access to w hat is the most iconic building in the town.”
He also pledged to support vulnerable adults and families ‘by trying to keep the Stanley Centre open’.
“It is really important for people who are in local care to be able to have that care provided locally and not have it taken away,” said Cllr Coan.
“I also want to fight for adequate medical provision and dentistry access for all, protect, improve and maintain public green spaces, maintain and hopefully improve our leisure centre, attempt to address the provision of affordable starter homes in Knutsford and protect our town heritage.”
After his home town, Cllr Coan is most proud of his family.
Daughter Deborah is a former May Queen and son, Andrew, has an amazing military career.
The mayor works part-time at Vikings hardware store in Canute Place and particularly loves the social side of his job, chatting to customers.
Cllr Coan said: “What makes Knutsford so special is that although the town has grown over the years, it has still got a beating heart.
“The amount of civic pride and love for the place is amazing.
“It’s not like a town, it is more like a village.
“People care if a shop shuts, if weeds grow and if it rains on May Day.
“Everyone is on nodding terms.”
The mayor has nominated two charities to support.
The first is Knutsford Grow which tends the gardens of the disabled and infirm and offers opportunities for volunteers to deliver a community service.
Cllr Coan said: “This charity reduces stigmatization, social isolation and removes the signpost for doorstep crime which an overgrown garden brings.
“Another good cause I’ll continue to support is Mike Houghton’s Sheds initiative.
“Research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing.
“Older men find it more difficult to build social connections.
“Sheds are all about meeting people, having someone to share your worries with.
“They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge.
“They help rebuild communities and, in many cases, they save folks’ lives.”
Cllr Colin Banks was elected deputy mayor and Corporal Darcy Canaris of 2056 Squadron Air Training Corps is the mayor's cadet.
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