THE new Conservative-controlled administration at West Devon Borough Council has drawn up seven key priorities for the next four years.

Council leader James McInnes, who was elected as leader at the council's recent annual meeting, said: 'We have been given a mandate by our electorate and I'm determined that we keep our promise to them.

'We have set out seven priorities which we believe will meet the needs of our residents and businesses.

'We live in difficult times, and the future won't be without its challenges, but West Devon Borough Council has a proven track record of being a good authority and we will continue to ensure it improves.'

The priorities are:

 l    Give value for money services to residents. The Council provides more than 100 services and has been consistently rated as one of the best in Devon and Cornwall for its financial management

l    Provide more affordable homes. In the last financial year the council enabled the development of 177 new affordable houses in the borough

l Drive forward improvements to the recently introduced recycling and waste service

l Promote economic regeneration and support local businesses

l Work closer with West Devon communities, town and parish councils, encouraging the principles of localism

l Fight to protect important local services for residents, including post offices, public transport, healthcare and policing.

l Build on the success of the Connect outreach initiative which takes council services out into rural communities every week.

Cllr McInnes added: 'These are ambitious aims in difficult times, but we are determined to minimise any reduction in West Devon's Services.'