PEOPLE in Wantage have a new mayor and official representatives for planning and the environment.

The new mayor is town councillor StJohn Dickson, who takes over from Fiona Roper after two years.

The new members of Wantage Town Council elected chairmen and women to their five council committees following the election on May 7.

Julia Reynolds has taken over the reins as chairwoman of the council’s planning committee which sits monthly at The Beacon on Portway.

The committee discusses planning applications for the parish and decides whether to make objections to planning authority Vale of White Horse District Council which decides whether to grant permission.

Steve Trinder has become chairman of the council’s Environmental Committee which sets rules for markets in the market place, takes the lead on public signage and phone boxes and plans Christmas decorations in the town centre.

The promotion and communication committee will be chaired by Ben Mabbett, planning major civic events and visits.

Eddie Goldsmith will be chairman on the recreation and amenities committee covering parks in the town and Mayor Dickson will chair the policy, management and finance committee.

The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will continue being led by Julie Mabberley, not an elected town councillor, but a voluntary position.

The next council meeting will be the planning committee on Monday at The Beacon from 7.30pm. Public are welcome.