A FORMER detective has been elected chairman of Sowerby Parish Council after its long-serving leader stepped down to take the reins of Hambleton District Council.
Members of the parish council unanimously selected Councillor Bill Austin to lead the authority which he has served on for seven years.
Coun Austin, who served as a North and West Yorkshire police officer for 30 years and the Crown Prosecution Service before retiring, said he wanted to hear residents’ views on how the quality of life in Sowerby could be improved.
He added: “We will have to monitor very closely the Sowerby Gateway development and make sure all the facilities that have been promised come to fruition.”
Coun Austin, who has four grandchildren, paid tribute to the dedication of Councillor Mark Robson, who has served as its chairman over a 20-year period.
Coun Austin, of Saxty Way, said: “I congratulate him for all he has achieved in the role as chairman through hard work and perseverance.”
Coun Robson, who is set to become leader of the district council on Tuesday (May 14), said he while he would continue as a member of the parish council, he did not feel it would be appropriate to lead both authorities.
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