New chairman takes office for West Berks

Councillors appointed former portfolio holder for highways and planning, Keith Chopping (Con, Sulhamstead) as chairman of the council at the annual meeting on Tuesday.
His predecessor, Adrian Edwards (Con, Falkland), thanked the support of council members and officers as well as the chairman’s lady, Edwina Cooper, and support officers Jo Watt and Jude Thomas.
He said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to have been your chairman in such a momentous year [with] the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic torch passing through the district, the Olympics and the Paralympics.
“It has been a busy and rewarding year but regrettably it has come to an end.”
Mr Edwards nominated Help for Heroes as West Berkshire Council’s charity during his year as chairman and numerous events raised £3,435.
The ceremonial exchange of the council regalia took place to an applause from councillors as Mr Edwards handed the chain of office to Mr Chopping, who was also chairman in 2008/09.
As Mr Chopping took his seat at the head of the council chamber, he said: “Thank you for the honour you have again bestowed upon me.
“To have been chairman of the authority once is a great privilege, to be elected for a second time is an even greater honour.”
He nominated Children with Cancer as the council’s charity of the year.
David Holtby (Con, Hungerford) was elected as vice chairman of the council.