BLACKBROOK councillor, Paul McQuade, has been sworn in as Mayor of St Helens Borough for 2020-21.

Cllr McQuade grew up in Blackbrook, the area he has represented since being elected on the council in 2006 – attending St. Mary’s infant and junior school before going onto St Anselm’s RC school, now known as St. Augustine of Canterbury.

It was also in Blackbrook where, at 15, Councillor McQuade met his wife, Lorraine, who will be carrying out the role as mayoress this year.

Cllr McQuade – who runs a gardening business - has gone on to work in a variety of different jobs including a chrome plater, fabric cutter and going on to become manager of Shopmobility - a service developed by the voluntary sector in St Helens and supported by the council - which received a £300,000 grant from the National Lottery.'

Cllr McQuade said: “As someone who was born and bred in here, it’s an absolute honour to be sworn in to serve the people of St Helens Borough as mayor for 2020/21.

“Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, I won’t be able to get out into the community much at the moment to attend events and meet the amazing people and organisations that are making a real difference in our borough - especially during such challenging times - but I am fully supportive of their work and am always eager to hear from them.”

During his mayoral year, Councillor McQuade will raise money for The Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS) – formed in 1985 with the long-term ambition of restoring the famous Sankey Canal which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, and has been identified as a key feature of the Town Centre’s regeneration plans.

“Having had the pleasure of being associated with this cause for a number of years, I know first-hand that it takes a considerable amount of time and effort by this group of dedicated volunteers to enhance the amenity value of Sankey Canal,” Councillor McQuade said. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of following the current guidelines in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. St Helens is renowned for its community spirit - so we all must play our part in looking after our own and get through this pandemic together.”

Jimmy Jackson, ward councillor for Sutton, was also named Deputy Mayor for 2020-21.