NEWPORT City Homes’ newly-elected board chairman Jane Mudd has expressed her excitement about the future of the city and the role that the organisation has to play in it.

At this year’s annual general meeting on September 8, Ms Mudd said: “Newport is changing and so is Newport City Homes (NCH). We’ve worked hard to get our homes up to Welsh Housing Quality Standards and now it’s time to look at the wider city and commit our energy to its growth.”

In her role as chairman, Ms Mudd will provide leadership and direction to the board, defining the contribution that NCH will make in Newport communities and guaranteeing sound financial planning.

A board member since 2009 and a councillor for the Malpas ward, Ms Mudd has extensive knowledge of the social housing sector and is currently the principal lecturer in housing and head of the department of applied community sciences in Cardiff Metropolitan University.

She is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Jane continued: "Our focus for the next five years is to provide excellent homes in communities where people want to live. We will work with our partners, in Newport and beyond, to realise the full potential of the city.

"There’s a lot on the horizon, new homes, new investments and a continued focus on our communities.

"We will make the most of our skilled people, strong leadership and stable financial position so that when we look back in five years’ time we can be sure of the contribution we made to a thriving and vibrant Newport."

Ms Mudd succeeds Chris England as he retires from the position after six years.