As mentioned in my February article, The Civic Voice trustees have now announced that following a competitive selection process, Rob Hattersley has been appointed as the organisation's new Chief Executive Officer.

Rob is an experienced charity CEO and originally comes from a teaching background where he was a primary school deputy head. He has practical knowledge of local groups having been involved with Hereford Civic Society for several years as a committee member.

At a time when Civic Societies need to respond to changes in planning along with the expansion of unitary local authorities, the role of Civic Voice is as important as ever and Rob will help develop the resources and organisation to meet these challenges.

Plans are progressing for the "Buntingford in Bloom" Competition, VE Day celebrations and Civic Day "Historic Town Walks". More details in the April issue or via our Social Media platform, keep an eye out.

On the planning front, the Planning Appeal by Wheatley Homes for 68 dwellings off of London Road is to be held on 11th March, we wait with bated breath for the outcome.

As Chaiman of the Civic Society I have been involved in the Master planning process for the planned development of 350 dwellings on land east of the by-pass. The process involves working with local councils, local interest groups, the main site promoter and other landowners, to achieve a vision for the overall development of the site and ensure we are achieving key important elements in a way that will contribute to a great place for people to live, work and study.

Graham Waite, Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society

If you have any queries about Buntingford Civic Society or issues you would like to raise, you can email the Chairman direct at chairman@buntingfordcivic.org.uk.

The March issue of the Buntingford Journal will be available from the usual retailers from 28th February.

More information about the Buntingford Civic Society can be found here and membership forms can be found here.