Attracting a greater range of businesses will help a coastal resort to become less reliant on tourism and flourish as a result, the town's mayor has said after being re-elected to a second term in the role.

Melanie Tucker was chosen by Southwold Town Council to serve a second year as mayor after her fellow councillors said it was 'vital we have continuity' in creating a blueprint for the town's future.

The council is currently producing a neighbourhood plan to help establish a vision for its future, with the role of businesses said to be key to its success.

'Tourism is important for Southwold but it would be good to see a greater range of businesses,' Ms Tucker said.

'My thoughts are for knowledge-based businesses that can generate income from outside the town and therefore are not susceptible to seasonality.

'We are hoping to establish businesses of that type on land the town council already owns and hope that could be included on the site of Station Road.'

On the same night Ms Tucker was re-elected Andy Wood, chief executive of Southwold-based brewer Adnams told the public meeting on the future of Southwold Hospital that there was a 'real opportunity' to bring jobs in hi-tech industries to the town.

Ms Tucker also praised the 'inspirational' members of the community she has met in her role over the past year.

She said it is important to embrace the talents of the whole community in order to achieve the town's goals.

'I think it will be an opportunity to continue some of the projects that we have started in the last 12 months and to implement the overall town strategy,' she said,

'I am excited at taking things forward and doing my very best for the future of the town.'

Southwold town councillor Will Windell added: 'There are a number of reasons why Melanie deserves to be re-elected, one of which is progression.

'We are half-way through completing important documents for the town, such as the council strategy.

'The neighbourhood plan, and it is vital we have continuity in this process.'

Deputy town mayor Ann Betts was also re-elected to her position during Southwold Town Council's annual general meeting on Monday (May 9).

What do you think the main priorities should be for Southwold over the next year? Please write, giving your full contact details, to: Journal Postbox, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk