THE newest member of Tavistock Town Council is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Alick Venning from Tavistock was co-opted on to the council during last week's full council meeting.

Cllr Venning joined the army as a soldier and served for eleven years. Over the years he has worked various jobs and spent 13 years on Calstock Parish Council when he lived in Gunnislake, working alongside his father before he died.

Cllr Venning said: 'The main reason I have joined Tavistock Town Council is I think that if you enjoy Tavistock, the people, the history and the many other things that make it what it is and you see many things changing — some for the good and some bad — you cannot moan about them if you get the chance to help. 

'There are a few issues that I would like to see improved. 

'Where I live [Westbridge] the main one is the crossing by the Texaco Garage.

'I and the people around there would like it upgraded to a pelican crossing, due to the amount of times vehicles overtake on the crossing whilst people are actually using it to cross the road.

'Another problem is the amount of Japanese Knot Weed that is along the river banks and invading the gardens.

'One bad area is the small green patch opposite the cemetery.

'We know from reading about this plant that it is very invasive and very destructive.'

Mr Venning is married to Pat and they are both devout Christians.

He enjoys playing golf and umpired for around 15 years for Tavistock Hockey Club.

• After the recent election, with retirements and two resignations, the town council was left with only ten serving councillors in its 17 strong councillor membership.

Since the co-option of Cllr Venning, the council now needs to fill six seats.

To find out more about becoming a councillor, visit http://www.tavistock.gov.uk">www.tavistock.gov.uk