MELKSHAM Without Parish Council has a new chair and vice-chair, and the pair have pledged to champion the Neighbourhood Plan in the upcoming referendum.
Cllr John Glover, who was previously in the vice-chair, was elected into the role of chair at last week’s annual council meeting.
The new vice-chair is cllr David Pafford.
“I am very pleased to have been proposed and selected by the other councillors to undertake the task,” said cllr Glover speaking to Melksham News.
“I would hope that this year I can help ensure that the Neighbourhood Plan moves forward – we have a referendum on 1st July, when I hope that the residents of Melksham and Melksham Without will vote for.
“And then, if its successful at referendum, we need to take the plan forward to ensure that we have control over the developments that Wiltshire Council are proposing, or at least the number of properties that they are proposing, and that we have control and influence over where they are positioned.”
Newly-elected vice-chair, cllr Pafford said, “I am aware of the responsibilities of the role, and thank you to my fellow councillors for electing me to the role. And I’ll try to do the best I can for the community.”
Speaking to Melksham News, cllr Pafford listed two projects as his priority for the year ahead – the Neighbourhood Plan, and the plans to build a new village hall for Berryfield.
About the Neighbourhood Plan, he said, “We’re very hopeful that the joint Neighbourhood Plan will be excepted ain the ref on 1st July. If the public support us it will give us a much better chance of ensuring a viable and sustainable future for the community.
Newly-elected chair, cllr Glover, takes over the role from the cllr Richard Wood, who has been the chair of the parish council for eight years. “I am handing over the role to very capable hands,” said cllr Wood.
“I have been the chair since 2013, and was the vice chair from 2007 – which means I have attended almost ever single committee meeting from 2007 until 2021! Which I think is pretty damn good when you think about it!
“My wife and I had a chat about it and it seemed to me that I was doing too many meetings and it was time to step down.”
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