PORTLAND’S new mayor is hoping to bring about a united island during his term of office.

Coun Richard Paisley was installed as first citizen at the mayor making ceremony at the Portland Heights Hotel.

Coun Paisley, 47, of Clarence Road, has lived on Portland all of his life. He has been a town councillor for six years, the member for Tophill West Ward.

Coun Paisley, who was deputy mayor last year, is chairman of the Portland Town Council finance and projects committee and deputy chairman of the planning committee.

Coun Paisley said: “I am very pleased to be mayor.

“It is something I have wanted to do and I did enjoy my year as deputy mayor. I had a very good year.

“I would like to get a stronger bond between the local businesses and the local community groups to try and get everyone together to work as one.

“I think there are a lot of groups trying to get to the same end, where we could all work together as a united group. If we were to work together we would achieve more than we would as individual groups.

“We can do that by attending each other’s meetings.

“One of the most important things lacking on Portland is amenities for kids that are used on a regular basis – that needs to be addressed, along with the downturn in unemployment.”

Coun Paisley runs a plant hire, transport and demolition company R Paisley and Son Ltd.

He will be supported in an official capacity by wife Corinne as mayoress, but also by son Lewis, 19, and six-year-old daughter Katherine.