BEAMINSTER Town Council has elected a new chairman.

Craig Monks has been elected as the new chairman of Beaminster Town Council, taking over from Cllr Chris Turner.

Cllr Monks said: "Cllr Turner has set the standards incredibly high. The work he’s done as Chairman of the Beaminster Town Council over the years has truly been extraordinary. I’m really looking forward to carrying on that work to the best of my ability."

"Beaminster has had a tough time in recent years. My main drive is to be as proactive as possible in my support for local business and residents to kickstart the Town and get us back on the map for all the right reasons. I really believe in contributing to your community and being a part of it in any way you can."

Cllr Monks is originally from North Devon and moved to London aged 18 to join the Metropolitan Police. After completing 16 years of service, getting married and having two children, Cllr Monks and his family moved back down south and settled in Beaminster, a town he had loved since first visiting.

He added: "People make a town. I love the people. Being part of such a warm and friendly community who look out for, and support, each other makes Beaminster a very special place to call home."

A spokesman for Beaminster Town Council said: "Craig is very keen to promote the town council and the work that it does for us all. He hopes to encourage more engagement from everyone who has a stake in our town; be it residents, businesses, schools, charities, visitors etc, and to try and change the stereotype that people usually associate with town councils.

"He hopes that people look at him, and that their views change. Craig firmly believes that the more inclusive we are, the better we’ll serve Beaminster."

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