THE WHITEHILL and Bordon Community Party has elected councillor Roger Russell as group leader on Whitehill Town Council.

Overall party leader and founder Andy Tree is not a councillor and, therefore, Cllr Russell will lead the Whitehill and Bordon Party group within the town council. Cllr Russell put himself forward and was supported unanimously by his council colleagues Cllr Duncan Sanders and Cllr Leeroy Scott.

Cllr Russell comes from a family who have lived in Whitehill and Bordon for three generations. He had a three-decade career using his wiring skills to help design Eurofighter Typhoon planes for the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Tree said: "As a professional organisation, we have quickly created an effective leadership structure. Now this is in place, we can move forward in implementing our plans and put forward our proposals for the betterment of Whitehill and Bordon. As Leader of the party, I will do all I can to support Roger and the team from outside the council and be as involved as I can."

Cllr Russell said: "I look forward to putting forward our party’s positive proposals in Whitehill Town Council. We will show there can be a credible, local community-led alternative to national party politics.

"We must get a proper town centre as part of the development. In particular, I want to achieve something for the young people of the Whitehill and Bordon and get all age groups involved in decision-making, improve public transport - in particular rail links - and improve community cohesion.

"I was very sad to see the skate park closed early due to alleged vandalism and hope to see the new one open in July to schedule," added Cllr Russell.