Robin Sanders has taken over as mayor of Woodbridge

Robin Sanders has taken over as mayor of Woodbridge from the previous holder of the office, Eamonn O'Nolan, and has set out his priorities for the coming year, which include resolving the future of the town's 16th century Shire Hall.

The hall is showing the effects of its age and has issues with the timber in the walls, including dry rot and damp.

READ MORE: Woodbridge calls to renovate 16th century Shire Hall

A four week consultation was held with residents and visitors to the market town, with consultees being able to vote on three options - to restore, renovate or sell the building.

Robin Sanders has a new role (Image: Simply C Photography)

The result was that 68% favoured renovation; an option that included structural and non-structural fabric repairs to the interior and exterior of the floors, as well as the installation of a lift enabling the first floor to be opened for community use.

Mr Sanders said he hoped a contractor would be tendered to carry out the renovation work within his year as mayor.

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However, there were a number of other projects that were priorities during his year, including dealing with the impacts of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast and improvements to the A12 on the outskirts of the town.

He has chosen to support two charities - the Rotary Foundation - which helps members to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace - and East Anglia's Children's Hospices, which supports families and cares for children with life-threatening conditions throughout the region.

Mr Sanders said: "I am pleased to do it. I have been on the council for five years and it is nice to be approached to represent the town for the next year.

"It is a very nice thing to do."