Barry Town Mayor Steffan Wiliam held the first 'Mayor in the Square' today, to connect with residents and hear their issues and concerns.

Elected last month, Cllr Wiliam will hold the event in King Square at least monthly, at varying times to ensure as many people as possible can attend.

He hopes it is something that subsequent Mayors continue to do, in order to "remove the mystique" of the position.

"I think it's important that we make ourselves approachable and accountable to people," Mayor Wiliam told Nub News.

"People have very vague ideas, if any at all, of what the mayor actually is or does.

"I see it more important than ever, after we've had over a year of COVID.

"I want to bring the councillors, the people that have been elected, closer to the people.

"We've got public query sheets, so people can list their questions and contact details if there's something we can't answer straight away."

Born and bred in Barry, Mayor Wiliam has spent 22 years as a Councillor, currently serving the Baruc ward.

He told Nub News he had not expected to be elected as Mayor.

"I was really shocked, to be honest, I really really was not expecting it," said Mayor Wiliam.

"But I love the people here, and the way I see it I've now got 50,000 residents and that's the population of this town.

"So, let's use the office of Mayor to boost the profile of the town. It's about engaging with people, letting them know all the good stuff that is actually happening here, and making them aware of a sense of community.

"I think my role in boosting Barry's profile is to attract visitors to the town centre, boost trade and effectively put Barry on the map."

He also wants to focus on can happen, rather than what cannot go ahead or is restricted.

"In the in the past the mayor has been quite a staid, unassuming and quiet role, which has been fine," said Mayor Wiliam.

"But not now, we've really got to be proactive and make things happen. So that's one of the focuses a lot on having lots of events happening everywhere.

"If there's anything I'd like to be known by, I want to focus on the things we can do such as a sponsored stand up paddle-board, and surf living saving that we've got planned.

"I'll be in front of the parade when it comes to the Pride March, if it goes ahead, and similarly for with Black and Welsh history.

"It's important to use the post of Mayor to educate and inform, and what I mean by that is, I want to be mayor for everybody, all our communities. I also want to celebrate diversity that we have here - why be uniform when we can be multiform?"

For now, Barry residents can talk with Mayor Wiliam about their queries and concerns at Mayor in the Square, the time and dates of which will be advertised in advance.

"It's another opportunity to engage with people, find out what matters to them and any concerns they have. Basically, being a good councillor, taking up their issues and acting on them," he said.