A FORMER Gwent Police inspector has been appointed to the role of clerk to Blaenavon Town Council.

Kevin Warren, 54, retired from the force last year after a career which saw him work across a wide range of posts, including Chief Inspector Operations for the East Local Policing Area covering Newport and Monmouthshire.

Originally from Ebbw Vale, he has lived in Cwmbran for the past 20 years and is a former chair of governors at Croesyceiliog Primary School and chairman of Thornhill Communities First Partnership Board.

Mr Warren said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as clerk to Blaenavon Town Council having performed the role of temporary clerk since May.

“During this time, I’ve been privileged to work with some fantastic councillors and members of local organisations who are true ambassadors for the town, passionately providing services to the proud community that they serve.

“I bring with me a wealth of experience to the role in terms of neighbourhood management and partnership working gained in my former role as a police inspector.

“One of my key aims is to ensure that service delivery is at the heart of everything we do in our role as a cohesive and committed town council.

“This will be achieved through engagement and communication, but also – importantly - actively listening to the needs of people who live, work and visit this historic town.

“I want to collectively work with residents and other key partners, using the resources available to us, to achieve a positive culture of social, economic and environmental wellbeing which I know is something for which the council is striving.”

The role of the clerk is to act as adviser to the council, providing information and guidance on to the law to aid council members in the decision making process, carrying out the actions arising from council meetings and implementing decisions.

The clerk is also known as the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO), with duties including compiling budgets and precept requests and ensuring that proper practices are undertaken in financial administration.

Cllr Phyllis Roberts, the Mayor of Blaenavon, praised Mr Warren’s work so far and said: “He is already proving to be an excellent clerk and will be a great asset both to the council and to the town.”