COUN Mary Herbert, the Independent member representing Long Marton, is the new chairman of Eden District Council.

She said it was a great honour to be elected, and she would wear the chain "with pride".

Coun Herbert said she had had "an excellent tutor" in retiring chairman Coun Allan Bewley, and hoped to continue "his great work".

Extending a warm welcome to all new councillors after the recent elections, she added: "We are a hard-working and quietly achieving council and will continue to best serve the people of Eden."

At the annual council meeting Coun Roy Fisher, the Independent member for Greystoke ward, was elected vice chairman of the council.

Meanwhile the four joint council leaders were reinstated. They are John James Moffat (Ind, Ravenstonedale), Bryan Metz (Ind, Alston Moor), John Malcolm Smith (Ind, Brough) and Colin Nineham (Ind, Penrith West).

May 15, 2003 12:00