Town council co-opt new councillor

WESTBURY Town Council welcome a new co-opted councillor, Janet Parker, to replace the seat left vacant by the resignation of Russell Hawker last year. 

Four candidates were presented to the councillors before the town council meeting on Monday 7th January. A vote was then held, with Janet Parker receiving majority vote. 

Janet is new to Westbury, moving here in December 2015, but says she has quickly become fond of the town, finding it a wonderful place to live and work. 

She is a chartered accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and Wales and currently works as finance director for Clifton Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, based in Bristol. 

Janet told White Horse News, “I am very pleased to have been appointed as town councillor for Westbury.

“The town is a wonderful place to live and work. However, I have also witnessed how Westbury is at risk of being overdeveloped and industrialised in the near future if development is not carefully managed.

“Thankfully the community spirit in Westbury is very strong and so far, unsuitable developments in housing and industry are being robustly opposed, but I feel the town needs a clear vision and neighbourhood plan to ensure that the rural character of Westbury is maintained.

“I believe that it is possible for Westbury to become an attractive hub for business as well as a desirable location to live, without losing any of its character and sense of community.

“For some years now, I have wanted to get more involved in my local community, but work constraints have prevented that in the past.    I am now at a stage in my career and life that I am able to commit the time needed to volunteer in the local community and I hope to make a positive contribution to our town.

“The first things on my agenda will be to look at ways to reduce the traffic in Westbury, and how to improve our green spaces in the town.

“I have also set up my own accountancy practice, and in the next couple of years I plan to expand this and open offices in the Westbury area.  I hope to offer specialised advice and support for non-profit organisations, as well as general practice.   

“As a business owner in Westbury I feel this will provide me with additional insights to the needs of local businesses, as well as being a resident and home owner.

“In my spare time, I love to be outdoors, and my interests include gardening, beekeeping and walking my dog.”

Above: Janet Parker.