THERE is a proud boast in the family of Abergavenny's new mayor, independent councillor Norma Watkins.

"It's said that I know one half of the town and am related to the other," said the 'girl from Tudor Street', who this week took on the mantle of the town's first citizen - only the second woman in the council's 110 year history to do so.

As the self styled and unashamed traditionalist took office she had strong words for those who would see 'change for change's sake' in the town in which he was born, educated and has lived and worked all her life.

"Change I will suffer, if it is necessary, but Abergavenny has many assets which I would not like to see swept away in the so-called name of progress...the assets of Abergavenny are what make the town what it is and always has been and should be treated with respect," she urged, calling for 'sensitivity' to be the byword in all matters.

"Abergavenny is what it always has been and should be treated with respect. Its history is not something to be discarded and more thought should be given to its retention," said Councillor Watkins, who added that "Abergavenny is overall a conservative town - with a small 'c' - and I think it does not take kindly to major change."

Speaking at the traditional installation meeting of Abergavenny Town Council, attended by representatives of many clubs and organisations, Councillor Watkins said that she had wanted to make the evening an opportunity for councillors to say thank you to the people who did so much for the town.

"Tonight we entertain just some of those people from the lady who shops for elderly and infirm residents to MCC officers who go way beyond the remit of their jobs and representatives of stalwart organisations, volunteers and those who help and support a range of people, clubs and societies.

"This night is yours also," said Councillor Watkins. "May you long continue with your giving attitude to others."

Known for her straight talking ways, Councillor Watkins said it was a huge honour to serve the town as its mayor.

"I always try to give my views openly and honestly and those who know me know I don't pull the punches. I tell it like it is and I intend to continue to do so. What I would like to see from the council, regardless of hue, this year is that the best for Abergavenny is achieved.

"I promise that this town council will do its best to serve the interests of the townspeople...and continue to try and improve the town in the way it has been with projects like the Baker Street garden project, support for the Christmas lights and Abergavenny in Bloom and litter picks.

"No decision made will be taken lightly or flippantly and I sincerely hope that the town will benefit from a sincere and dedicated council and in return will support us."

Born an only child with a 'large extended family' Councillor Watkins spoke warmly of her childhood in a 'street that has been much derided and maligned because it was not considered to be prosperous and its people were said to be mainly socially inadequate and inferior'

"Despite this, I am proud to say that I was born at Westgate Building in Tudor Street ,an area which showed a true sense of the spirit of community sadly lacking today. What you had, you shared, you helped, you gave and you expected nothing in return and a sense of natural justice prevailed.

Adding that she was not looking back through rose tinted spectacles , Councillor Watkins said that she was well aware that Tudor Street was poor, with many people living in poverty and while it was 'distinctly unruly' it instilled a 'fierce pride' in its inhabitants.

"The street could also not have been that bad because from it came a five times mayor of Abergavenny, former councillor and now Burgess of the town, Ray Hill, the mace bearer for more than 20 years Mick Knight and now me as mayor.

"The lesson to be learned from this is to believe in community and never forget who you are or where you come from and use it to your advantage," said Councillor Watkins.

In a final nod to her family values, as it left the stage of the Borough Theatre with Councillor Watkins as its new mayor, Abergavenny Town Council was led once again by its deputy mace bearer Mick Knight who was allowed temporary custody of his former role thanks to current mace bearer Geoff Harris.

"Family is everything to me and it was so important to me that Mick - who is my uncle - could lead me off the stage tonight and I am grateful to Geoff for making it happen," said Councillor Watkins,