NEW Portland town mayor Ian Phelps last night vowed to bring back more power to the island's town council.

Coun Phelps, 40, who took over the chain of office from outgoing mayor Chris McGown, said he would spend the year bidding to regain some of the council's lost functions and responsibilities including car parking and footpaths.

The new mayor was elected at last night's mayor-making ceremony held at Portland Heights Hotel.

The statement comes just days before next Monday's poll on the future of the town council in which islanders will be asked: 'Do you wish to have a town council funded by precept?'

Coun Phelps said the poll would act as an opportunity for the council to show its electorate what it could and was willing to do.

Coun Phelps, who has represented Underhill on the town council for four years, added that he hoped the community would get involved in the forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebrations.

His charity will be the National Coastwatch Institution on Portland.

Coun Norma Bodtger, Tophill West, was elected as deputy mayor and Father David Botterill agreed to act as mayor's chaplain. Roy Evans will be the mayor's escort.