New councillor joins Melksham Without

MELKSHAM Without Parish Council has co-opted a new councillor, Martin Franks, to represent the Beanacre, Shaw, Whitley and Blackmore ward.

It follows the recent resignation of Stefano Patacchiola. The new councillor says his passions locally are planning and the environment.

“I’m very pleased to be a member of the Melksham Without Parish Council. Initially, I started to attend council meetings as a spectator just to get an understanding of what happens and why,” he said. “That was over a year ago and from that, my interest in a role was ignited.

“The council and team do an amazing job in looking after the parish and I’m very pleased to be a part of this team.

“My commercial background was and is still automotive. A long time ago this was in the retail space and for the last 25 years, I’ve worked in automotive IT, currently in data and business intelligence.

“I’m also a member of the Institute of the Motor Industry. For around 15 years I was in a role that covered UK, Ireland Middle East, Africa and Turkey; this gave me an induction to so many cultures, people and places that’s enabled me to have a real view on the world; it’s an interesting place. That is some of what I can also deliver to the parish.

“My passions are planning and our environment and with development in that we need to protect that environment. We need design-led planning with infrastructure in place before new builds and wherever possible, we should recycle brownfield land. So, health care, schools, shops, roads, and protection first, before we build.

“We live in a beautiful part of the world – we need to treasure it and look after it.”