A new mayor who worked as a bouncer for 10 years would like to see “harsher” crackdowns on anti-social behaviour to keep the high street vibrant.
Adrian Stohr, Labour Councillor for Sudbury North Ward, was sworn in as Mayor on May 14 and had his official reception on May 29 at Sudbury Town Hall.
Cllr Stohr, who received unanimous backing, said: “I was once reminded that we are merely the keepers of this great town. Those words have stayed with me.
“We do not own Sudbury; we serve it. We protect it, improve it, and leave it stronger for the next generation.”
Cllr Stohr said he felt “privileged” to be in a position where all councillors wanted him as mayor, and he said his hands were shaking when signing the office papers because he “couldn’t believe it.”
The Sudbury representative who was a bouncer for 10 years, wants to see high street pubs and shops supported by “harder” and “harsher” crackdowns on anti-social behaviour in the town.
“I feel security needs to be stepped up. I know from when I was a doorman the importance of having people on the doors to ensure people’s safety,” he said.
Cllr Stohr, who said local businesses mean a lot to him, would like to champion the Pubwatch’s return to Sudbury so they can inform other pubs of any trouble they’ve had with customers and arrange a meeting with all pub owners and shop owners as soon as possible.
Speaking on illegal vape raids, Cllr Stohr said: “If shopkeepers are going to continue to be raided and fined, I honestly believe they should be shut down and blacklisted around our town to allow new businesses to come through who are going to sell legitimate products in their shop, that’s regulated and approved to British Standards.”
Cllr Stohr was deputy mayor to his predecessor, Andy Walsh and praised Cllr Walsh’s “dignity” and “commitment” in his speech.
“Thank you for helping prepare me for this role and for showing me what being Mayor is truly all about. The example and path you have set will stay with me throughout my own mayoral year,” he said.
Source – Sudbury Mercury
