MELKSHAM Without Parish Council has co-opted a new councillor, Peter Richardson, to represent the Beanacre, Shaw, Whitley and Blackmore ward.
It follows the resignation of cllr Mary Pile last year. The new councillor has lived in Whitley since 2015. He is the chair of the Community Action Whitley and Shaw group (CAWS), where he has helped raise over £15,000 for local projects and has been a key organiser in the local jubilee celebrations, and helped support a range of new local initiatives such as tree planting and road safety.
Cllr Richardson said, “I am keen to find new opportunities to support local residents and feel a position as a parish councillor would enable that cause. The role finds synergies with my work in the Community Action Whitley and Shaw group and as a volunteer. I have a strong personal interest in a range of local issues and road safety, planning and development, and flood management and drainage in particular. They are all topics that are not only relevant for Shaw, Whitley and Beanacre, but also to other areas of the parish.”
Peter retired from working full-time in 2020, after a career in the Ministry of Defence; working as an independent business consultant, non-executive director, and trustee with local small enterprises to help them develop and grow.
He added “I feel my work experience has equipped me with skills that would help me to be an active contributor to parish council and campaigns.”
Melksham Without Parish Council clerk, Teresa Strange said, “A very warm welcome to new councillor, Peter Richardson. Melksham Without Parish Council met on Monday 23rd January and one of the first order of business was to co-opt a new councillor to fill the vacancy.
“Candidates had submitted their application in writing, and were invited to say a few words and answer questions on the night; before councillors voted. It was a close run and the council are delighted to welcome a new councillor who lives in the ward and already has a proven track record of representing the interests of local residents as chair or Community Action for Whitley and Shaw.”
Above, Peter Richardson, left, with chair of the council John Glover.
