I would like to thank you, the voters of Mitcheldean and Drybrook for electing me at the recent district council elections.

As this is my first venture into the world of politics voting for me, as an unknown independent, was a bit of a shot in the dark for many of you. I can promise you, however, that I will do my very best to serve you and represent your inter­ests on the council, whoever you voted for.

I very much enjoyed meeting a lot of very interesting people during my campaign and hope to get the opportunity to meet many more over the next few years. If you have any issues of concern, please get in touch with me and I will do my very best to help you in any way I can. That, after all, is what I am here for.

 – Ian Whitburn, Independent district councillor (Mitcheldean and Drybrook Ward).