Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council’s new chair has said ‘inclusivity is key’ and encouraged residents to share their ideas for the area.
Pan and Barton councillor, Joanne Ballington, was elected to the role at Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) last night (Monday), taking over from Newport Central representative Vix Lowthion.
Cllr Tamsin Verrinder was voted into a supporting role as vice-chair, which was previously filled by Cllr Ballington.
The new chair said:
“The community council has always been very important to me, and the voices of our residents are equally important.
“I would also like to raise awareness of what we do and what we can offer.
“To do that, we need to understand what people want and need — and that means listening to everyone. Inclusivity is key.
“I would really encourage residents to come and see us, and to make contact with community councillors in their areas.”
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She said NCCC wants to get to know residents, hear their ideas and work together for communities.
In addition, Cllr Ballington thanked Cllr Lowthion for handing over ‘so steadily and supportively’ and added that she ‘greatly valued’ the latter’s guidance and encouragement.
Cllr Verrinder meanwhile said: “It was a bit of a surprise to be nominated but I’m honoured that people feel they could put their trust in me.
“I will be trying to steer the council into converting ideas into outcomes as much as possible.
“Last year was an opportunity for me to learn about how the council works and how I can use my voice to drive changes.
“I’m looking forward to building on this this year.”
NCCC was created in 2008 to provide services that would no longer be provided by the Isle of Wight Council within its area such as Christmas lights, hanging baskets and dog bins, according to its website.
Since 2010 it has increasingly taken on extra services that County Hall has decided it can no longer afford to provide, including allotments, public toilets, maintaining open spaces and recreation grounds, and road crossing patrols.
Cllr Lowthion was last week elected onto the Isle of Wight Council, but will remain a NCCC councillor too.
