New Council leader is committed to ensuring the district will continue to ‘develop and prosper’

West Lindsey District Council has appointed a new leader and deputy leader of the Council at its Annual General Meeting.

Cllr Trevor Young takes over from outgoing leader Cllr Owen Bierley.  The meeting, which took place at the Guildhall in Gainsborough, on Monday 22 May, also saw Cllr Lesley Rollings appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council.

Cllr Young, who represents the South West Ward in Gainsborough, said it was an honour and a privilege to become Leader of the Council. He said his focus will be on ensuring the council delivers good services to the residents of West Lindsey.

He said:

“I would like to ensure we engage more with our residents, listen to what people have to say and make sure we deliver quality services for them.”

Born and raised in Gainsborough, Cllr Young had worked all his life for the NHS before recently retiring. His family currently run a greetings card business in the town centre.

“West Lindsey is a great place to live, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I am very committed in ensuring Gainsborough and the district as a whole, is a success, grows economically and continues to develop and prosper. We will take a common-sense approach to issues, engage with residents, and make positive changes.”

Cllr Young said existing issues including the use of RAF Scampton would remain a high priority for the Council.

He stressed:

“We must continue the fight, that is very clear and there are lots of issues which still need to be addressed. The government has got the issue of Scampton completely wrong and the Home Office itself appears to be unclear on how it’s going to work and who is going to be located there.”

Cllr Young added:

“I am grateful for the amount of support the Council has received to date from our partners across Lincolnshire who are committed to working together with us on this issue. West Lindsey District Council has a £300 million investment plan for the site, which would be lost if the Home Office progress with their proposals to use the site for asylum accommodation and therefore we will strongly progress our legal challenge in the High Court.”

Cllr Young will be supported by Cllr Rollings as they support the Council to deliver on its Corporate Plan. Cllr Rollings, who represents the Scotter and Blyton Ward; said the community will always be at the heart of what she does and what she focusses on.

The former teacher said the local business community and employment opportunities would be among her priorities. She said: “It’s about listening to people, focussing on what people are concerned about and being transparent as a council.

“I want to engage with local companies, give them a voice and support them so they are able to recruit locally and to make sure these companies remain attractive to potential employees so that we keep that talent here in West Lindsey.”