The picturesque city of Wells proudly welcomed its new Mayor, Louis Agabani, at a vibrant Mayor-making ceremony held at the town hall this past Saturday. Marking a historic moment, Agabani is the city’s first black and Muslim mayor, a testament to Wells’ evolving and inclusive community.
Originally from Sudan, Louis moved to England at the age of 10 without speaking a word of English. Through dedication and hard work, he went on to study economics at the University of London before settling in Somerset with his wife and two children in 2001. Over the years, Louis and his family have become integral members of the Wells community, running several local businesses including fashion, children’s clothes, and toy shops, as well as the Bishop’s Eye café.
Serving as a councillor for several years, Louis has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving life in Wells. His current priority is supporting the Wells Skatepark Project, a community initiative dedicated to creating a modern, safe, and inclusive skate park for the city’s youth. Having collaborated with the project since his early days on the council, Mayor Agabani is enthusiastic about using his term to help bring the skate park to fruition.
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“There is a growing population of young families in Wells, and providing a safe, accessible outdoor space where young people can build confidence, friendships, and skills is essential,” Louis explained. “This project offers a healthy alternative to endless social media scrolling—it’s more than just a skate park; it’s a community builder.”
The Wells Skatepark Project was founded five years ago by residents determined to replace the aging, inadequate facility. Through extensive community engagement—gathering over 250 survey responses and hosting consultations—the project has developed a design by Maverick Skateparks that reflects local needs and aspirations. It enjoys strong support from local stakeholders including the police, the local MP, Somerset County Council, and now Mayor Agabani.
To kick off fundraising efforts, the Mayor is backing a community crowdfunder, encouraging residents and businesses to contribute. “This support not only raises vital funds but also demonstrates community backing necessary for securing larger grants,” he emphasized.
In addition, exciting plans are underway to fuse art and skateboarding culture. A collection of custom-designed skateboard decks by local artists will feature at this year’s Wells Art Contemporary exhibition inside Wells Cathedral. The collection will subsequently tour local galleries before being auctioned online to raise further funds for the skatepark.
Louis Agabani’s tenure as Mayor promises to be marked by energetic leadership and a focus on inclusivity, community engagement, and enhancing facilities for all generations in Wells. He looks forward to working closely with the town clerk and city council amid ongoing changes and is proud to serve a city rich in history and community spirit.