NEW Christmas lights and obtaining grants for Ringwood’s organisations are at the top of the agenda for the new town clerk, who took the helm of Ringwood Town Council on Monday.

Steve Nash, 54, who has 15 years of council experience at Trowbridge Council and was Fawley Parish Clerk for nearly four years, has taken over from Terry Simpson, who retired as the town clerk after 11 years on Friday, February 28.

Mr Nash, who served in the Wiltshire County Regiment, now The Rifles, for almost 19 years after leaving school, told us he was excited at the prospect of being clerk to a council with a “great reputation” both locally and nationally.

He said: “Ringwood Town Council has a great reputation across the forest and nationally.

“Mr Simpson worked for the National Association of Councils and has been innovative in moving the council forward. New Christmas lights, purchasing land at Long Lane and securing funds for the new drop-in centre on Carvers Field are at the top of the agenda.”

Mr Nash and his wife Samantha are in the process of moving from Dibden Purlieu to Hightown.

Mr Nash added: “Ringwood is a fantastic place to live; there is real community spirit and a thriving cafe culture.

“I have had a lot of success in obtaining grants and I would like to help community groups obtain funds in this way.

“I am very interested in meeting all the local organisations and groups who are involved in Ringwood’s community life.

“If any group would like to have a chat about obtaining grants, please give me a ring and come and meet me.”

A town council spokesman said: “We welcome Steve, who brings a wealth of experience to the role. Members look forward to working with Steve on the challenges ahead for Ringwood.”

To contact Mr Nash, ring 01425 484720.