Bill is the Park chairman again

COUNTY councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford Bill Cann has been re-appointed as chairman of Dartmoor National Park for the fifth consecutive year.

Mr Cann, who lives in South Zeal, said it was a tremendous privilege to continue to serve as chairman. The new deputy chairman will be Maurice Retallick from Newton Abbot.

'The authority has a responsibility for the conservation and enhancement of this beautiful area which is of international, national, regional and local importance,' said Mr Cann.

'At the same time it also has to consider and balance the economic and social well being of the local community.

'Because of foot and mouth disease, the authority faces a challenging year and I am sure that with the full support of the membership and officers we can achieve satisfactory progress for Dartmoor.'

Mayor of Okehampton and new county councillor for Okehampton Rural Christine Marsh has also been appointed by to Dartmoor National Park Authority by Devon County Council.