Wrexham’s mayor swaps 18 carat gold chain for paper one made by school pupils as coronavirus pauses his engagements

The Mayor of Wrexham has traded his 18 carat gold chain for a paper one after the coronavirus prevented him from putting it round his neck.

Cllr Rob Walsh has not worn the official chain, which dates from 1872, since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in early March.

However, the Llay representative was also able to host Wednesday’s first virtual full council meeting via the Zoom video conferencing platform.

And it was kind-hearted pupils from the Park Community Primary School in the village who came to his aid ahead of the occasion by making a replacement mayoral chain out of paper.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said: “I was doing full council and I couldn’t wear my chain. Because of the complexities of it, I need help putting it on.

“To get someone to help me putting it on would mean breaching social distancing rules.

“I thought it would be a nice idea if I asked the school if the children would be willing to make me a paper chain just for the meeting. They agreed for which I was very thankful.

“I think it’s very important that I keep doing things even though it’s going to be very different.”

The summer months would usually see Cllr Walsh’s calendar filled with events, including carnivals and fetes. However the majority have now been cancelled though due to social distancing measures.

He has since been restricted to providing video messages for people living in the county borough, including a bride whose wedding was called off.

The Liberal Democrat politician stressed he was keen to continue performing his duties in any way he could.

He said: “I have been keeping busy with regards to doing video messages.

“I did a video message for VE Day and for other groups and individuals who have asked for them.

“I took part in a message for Bellevue Football Club and I also did one for a lady whose wedding had to be postponed so they had an online hen do.

“We have a play day every August so I will be reading a story for that which has already been filmed.

“I haven’t got a physical engagement until September, but that depends on when we’re at.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter