A Walton councillor is the new chairman of Tendring District Council.

Ann Oxley was voted in at the authority’s annual meeting on May 19, taking over from Bill Davidson, who represents Dovercourt Vines & Parkeston. Carlo Guglielmi, who represents the Lawford, Manningtree and Mistley ward, was elected as vice-chairman.

In addition to presiding over TDC full council meetings, the Chairman of the council plays a ceremonial role, representing the council and district at various civic and community events.

At the meeting, leader Mark Stephenson reviewed the council’s work over the past year, including the adoption of a new housing strategy to prevent families becoming homeless, community transformation projects and the implementation of town centre CCTV upgrades.

He reiterated the council’s opposition to the National Grid pylon scheme which will impact on the district’s rural communities, and said the authority would continue to “make sure Tendring’s voice is heard” during local government re-organisation.

Cllr Stephenson said Councillor Stephenson that TDC was in a “sound financial position”.  “The position is secure, and that gives us the platform to get on with the job,” he added.

He also paid tribute to the “tireless efforts” of council staff “who care deeply about this district” and do the “quiet, unglamorous, essential work of running a council”,.