In his annual statement to the City of Ely Council, the Mayor of Ely reflected on how it has grown from needing just one part timer to now having more than 30 staff members.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, who is also chairman of the council, commended the council’s development over the last 44 years in his 2018 report.

Cllr Hobbs said: “When the city council was formed we had one paid member of staff who worked three days a week.

“Now, with all new services, we have over 30 staff members, 15 council members unpaid and a wonderful group of volunteers who turn their hands to planting and Christmas lights to name a few.

“Without their support the parish would not be the vibrant city it is. As you can see, the council has come a long way from its beginnings in 1974.

“None of this could be achieved without a huge team effort, in particular from our office staff being led by Mrs Tracey Coulson who have had to administer all new services taken on by this council.

“It has been a privilege once again to work with all that contribute to the success of this city and that make it a place to live and play and a destination of choice.”

After a local government reorganisation in 1974 which dissolved the Ely Urban Council and Ely Rural Council, East Cambs District Council and Ely City Council were formed.

A year previously, Queen Elizabeth II granted city status to Ely and the right to have a mayor as chairman of the council, giving the mayor the title of The Right Worshipful Mayor by Royal Charter.

The City of Ely is one of few parish councils throughout the country to hold the royal title.

“When the City of Ely Council was formed, it had very few responsibilities, as they were given away to East Cambs” Cllr Hobbs added.

“And it has taken over 30 years to take back these services under the control of the city council.”

The Mayor of Ely’s yearly statement was read out at the council’s annual meeting on Monday April 9.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, who is also chairman of the council, commended the council’s development over the last 44 years in his 2018 report.

Cllr Hobbs said: “When the city council was formed we had one paid member of staff who worked three days a week.

“Now, with all new services, we have over 30 staff members, 15 council members unpaid and a wonderful group of volunteers who turn their hands to planting and Christmas lights to name a few.

“Without their support the parish would not be the vibrant city it is. As you can see, the council has come a long way from its beginnings in 1974.

“None of this could be achieved without a huge team effort, in particular from our office staff being led by Mrs Tracey Coulson who have had to administer all new services taken on by this council.

“It has been a privilege once again to work with all that contribute to the success of this city and that make it a place to live and play and a destination of choice.”

After a local government reorganisation in 1974 which dissolved the Ely Urban Council and Ely Rural Council, East Cambs District Council and Ely City Council were formed.

A year previously, Queen Elizabeth II granted city status to Ely and the right to have a mayor as chairman of the council, giving the mayor the title of The Right Worshipful Mayor by Royal Charter.

The City of Ely is one of few parish councils throughout the country to hold the royal title.

“When the City of Ely Council was formed, it had very few responsibilities, as they were given away to East Cambs” Cllr Hobbs added.

“And it has taken over 30 years to take back these services under the control of the city council.”

The Mayor of Ely’s yearly statement was read out at the council’s annual meeting on Monday April 9.