Release date: 20.05.08
Ref: BBC/PR/L&D/16/08

The inaugural meeting of Berwick-upon-Tweed Town Council took place last night (Monday, 19 May) and Councillor Peter Herdman (Castle Parish Ward) was elected as chair and Councillor Flora Simpson was elected as vice-chair (Stadium Parish Ward).

The Town Council has sixteen members representing seven parish wards. There is currently one vacancy at St Boisil Parish Ward and Councillors agreed that this will be filled by co-option. This means that local residents can nominate themselves to become the local councillor and the Town Council will co-opt the most suitable candidate as the new member onto the council. Details of the vacancy will be advertised soon and it is hoped that the position can be filled at the next meeting on Monday, 23 June.

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council will be asked at the next Council meeting to transfer the balances from the Town Committee to the new Town Council which means that there would be a budget of about £59,000 for 2008/09.

The Town Council will also shortly be interviewing for a new Clerk. Once appointed the Town Council will no longer be administered by Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council and will be based at the William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick-upon-Tweed.