A NEW chairperson has been appointed at Stratford District Council.
Coun Jenny Fradgley was handed the chain of office by outgoing chair Coun Victoria Alcock at a ceremony on Wednesday May 15.
During her historic term of office, as one of SDCs youngest female chairs, Coun Alcock nominated the Sea Cadets and Youth Collective and supporting local community groups across the district with the running costs of defibrillators as her charities and raised a total of £3,561.88 to be split between them.
Coun Fradgley has chosen Citizens Advice, Air Ambulance Warwickshire and Parkinson’s as her charities.
Her husband Ian will be her consort during her term of office and Rev Craig Groocock will be her chaplin.
Coun Fradgley said: “I am honoured to be representing the district for the next municipal year and will do my best, with the support of my husband Ian. This is a very special year for us here in Stratford as we were formed 50 years ago with the Local Government Reforms of 1974.
“My charities will be Air Ambulance and Citizens Advice. Two organisations which are essential to the wellbeing of us all and are heavily reliant on public contributions. I also hope to raise a little money for Parkinson’s, a charity very close to my heart as my family has suffered from Parkinson’s over generations.”
There have been further changes within the Cabinet.
Coun George Cowcher has been appointed as new deputy leader. He takes over from Coun Nigel Rock who has decided to step down.
Coun Mike Rice is the new portfolio holder for projects, asset management and communications.
And SDC leader Coun Susan Juned took the opportunity to reflect on the last year.
She said: “It’s been a year since we won the election and installed as the new administration for the district council and we have achieved a great deal in that time.
“The council adopted a new Council Plan, passed a prudent, but ambitious budget for initiating changes, funded 37 community projects, created a £100,000 Community Climate Change fund for parish councils, community and charity groups to undertake green initiatives and approved a new South Warwickshire Economic Development Strategy.
“Decisions have been taken on many projects including safeguarding the Stratford Shopmobility service, maintaining UBUS assistance across the district, supporting medical and community facilities in Upper Lighthorne, investing in more Rural Crime Advisers and a more environmentally friendly grounds maintenance contract, plus adopting new planning guidance for open spaces to address concerns about the private management companies.”
