CHARITY work is to be a priority for the new chairman of Three Rivers District Council during her term of office.

Councillor Mrs Barbara Lamb took over as chairman on Tuesday, May 19, from Councillor Philip Brading.

In a speech to assembled councillors and well-wishers, Councillor Lamb made clear her plans for her forthcoming term of office.

She said: "I think it is an honour to be made chairman, I feel pleased for the people who have elected me.

"I shall play an independent role as I will be chairman for all the people in Three Rivers, just as I am councillor for the whole of my constituency."

Councillor Lamb will be supporting two charities, the first being the Sunshine House School, Northwood, which caters for the special needs of blind and partially sighted children.

Her fundraising will assist plans to build a hydrotherapy pool, designed to assist children with impaired muscle control.

Her second charity will be the Parkinson's Disease Society, which currently helps look after 66 people suffering from the disease in the Three Rivers area.

Councillor Lamb is also looking for a youth arts project to support, as she feels this would be a worthwhile scheme.

Fellow councillors welcomed her to the role.

Councillor Dr Kenneth Morris said: "I have known Barbara Lamb for some time and she is an extremely nice person.

"She is probably the hardest-working councillor in the Three Rivers district."

Councillor Ivor Ambrose was selected as the council's vice-chairman, which, under Three Rivers' selection system means he will succeed Councillor Lamb next year.

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