A NEW chairman of Richmondshire District Council has been elected.

Councillor Rob Johnson, ward member for Catterick Village, will act as the face of the council for the next year, with Coun Russell Lord as the vice-chairman.

Coun Johnson, who has also been in the chairman’s seat in 2008 to 2009, said he hopes to bring balance and responsible behaviour to the council chamber when he leads council debates.

He said he was looking forward to his year in the post, and would be fundraising for Michael Syddall Church of England Primary School in Catterick Village, and for the Guides and Scouts associations in the village.

He said: “So often you can find yourself seeking a well-known national charity, and last time I was chairman I did chose national charities, but this year I felt it was good to move away from that and do something for the people I represent.

“The school, Scouts and Guides were overjoyed with the news that I would be fundraising for them this year.”

Coun Johnson spent 27 years in Local Authority Care Provision working and managing children’s centres, before constructing and managing residential care homes for the elderly from the early 1990s.

He said: “I am looking forward to the coming year – in meetings I hope to make sure people have the opportunity to express their opinion, but arguments should not be created or pursued for the sake of it.”

Coun Johnson’s first function as chairman of the council is a Richmond Operatic Society performance of HMS Pinafore, which is running until Saturday, May 25 at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond.

He added: “I am looking forward to moving into the new council premises, Mercury House, as it will be great to have all council officers together under one roof.

“I’m also looking forward to maintaining the relationship with the MoD, and develop the relationship with a new Garrison manager to be introduced to replace Nick Millen, who has done a fantastic job over the last eight years.”

Coun Johnson can be contacted on cllr.r.johnson@richmondshire.gov.uk.