MCC meets for first time
Abergavenny Chronicle - 1st July 2004

MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council met for the first time since the recent local government elections last week.

Chairman, Councillor Olive Evans, welcomed the 42 councillors to the meeting and congratulated them on their election success. She also welcomed a number of new faces to the chamber, including Councillor Eric Saxon, Llanfoist Fawr, Councillor Douglas Edwards, Grofield, and Llanelly Hill Councillors Simon Howarth and Anthony Carrington. Among the items on the agenda was the appointment of members to various committees and bodies.

Councillor Andrew Crump was officially elected as leader of Monmouthshire County Council, with Councillor Graham Down elected as his deputy. The council then ratified the cabinet, which is due to meet for the first time on Monday, July 12.

Councillor Peter Clarke was elected as chairman of the Planning Committee, with Councillor John Major as vice-chairman. Councillor Ted Dorel will chair the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, with Councillor Brian Jones as his deputy, while Councillor Rob Griffiths will chair the Audit Committee.

Councillor Crump was elected as chair of the Employment Committee, Councillor Pam Birchall will once again chair the Environment Select Committee, and Councillor Verona Nelmes will chair the Social and Housing Services Select Committee.

Elsewhere, Councillor Mike Smith was elected as chair of the Lifelong Learning and Leisure Select Committee, while Councillor Rob Griffiths was elected to chair the Resources and Customer Services Select Committee.

The chairman of the Bryn-y-Cwm Area Committee will be decided when it meets on Thursday, July 8.

Part of the multi-lingual