A local action group in Bushey looking to tackle issues in the village from policing to health is looking forward to a bright future according to its committee.

Members of the Bushey Forum turned out at the latest quarterly meeting to hear a presentation on NHS reforms in the county and how they will affect residents in the village.

As well as the usual open floor debates, the group is hoping to attract new members and a change in the committee last Tuesday helped spark a new future for the group, according to its secretary David Peters.

He said: “We are striving to make ourselves more visible in the village and work closely with other action groups to really tackle any problems in Bushey.”

Chairman of 12 years Robert Gamble and vice chairman Carey Keats stood down at the meeting, although both remain on the committee.

Forum member Anne Swerling will take over as chairman, while the committee itself was also expanded.

Mr Peters said: “I think this is a positive step for the forum. With more members on the committee, it will broaden the topics of discussion and that must be a good thing.

“With many things impacting our community in Bushey and Bushey Heath we can, through the Bushey Forum, call on our councillors, council, police and NHS to come and present what they are achieving and be accountable to our community.”

Former Bushey councillor Mr Gamble said he was pleased with the movements in the group, but stressed more members must be found.

He said: “I feel fairly upbeat despite stepping down. The good thing is that we have got a new team waiting in the wings full of enthusiasm and good ideas. I can only be positive about it – the future looks good.”

Maura Cooke was elected as vice-chairman at the meeting while secretary David Peters and treasurer Jenny Mintoft were re-elected.