Councillor Gwenda Roberts becomes new mayor of Penarth

Cllr Roberts represents St Augustine’s Ward and is a member of the Welsh Labour group. She served as deputy mayor in 2023/24.

She expressed her feelings about the new role, stating: “I feel very humble, privileged  and proud to be inaugurated as mayor for the year.

"Penarth has given me a lot over the years and it’s now time to give something back. Mae’n amser rhoi rhywbeth yn ôl.”

Cllr Gwenda Roberts was inaugurated as mayor on May 17 and said she was humbled (Image: PTC)

Reflecting on her time in Penarth since moving to here 1989, Cllr Roberts said: “I have always been grateful for what Penarth offered us as a family – ac y cyfleoedd mae’n dal  i rhoi i ni fel teulu.

"It’s hard to beat it really, mae’n anodd i guro and hard to think of a better place in which to raise a family – a place that gives children and young people the confidence to roam and to become independent in safety, before they roam even wider.

"My hope is that Penarth continues to provide that – not to stay exactly the same of course because things never do stay the same, but that it sustains a community that is great not just for children but for people of all ages.

"And in my role as mayor, as others have done before me, I hope to give as much publicity and support as I can to the groups and the businesses in the town so that Penarth can continue to provide that environment.”

As well as dedicating time to town activities the mayor is also responsible for raising money for a charity of their choice. Cllr Roberts has chosen to raise money for Tenevous.

Discussing her choice of charity, Cllr Roberts said: “I believe quite strongly in raising awareness of the support that is offered and by raising awareness for people not to be afraid of asking for help”.