ONE of the largest parish councils in the country has appointed a new chairman.

Councillor Joe Tray, who represents the upper Stratton ward of Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, was appointed to the post following the annual meeting of the council last week.

As well as summarising the work of the council during the past year, the meeting on May 19 at Grange Leisure saw members of the parish council elect Joe to the new role.

Cllr Tray, who is also a Labour Swindon Borough ward councillor for Penhill and Upper Stratton, said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chair to the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council and lead the local council to represent the interests of our parish working together with the Borough Council.

"I am looking forward to that partnership bringing many benefits to our Parish.”

Cllr Tray has represented his local community since 2005, first as a parish councillor and since 2010 as a ward councillor for Swindon Borough Council.

He started operating in the public offices after retiring from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

He served 34 years as a firefighter, and was based at Stratton fire station for 20 years, and 14 years at Central Swindon station in Drove Road.

Cllr Tray’s appointment came as outgoing chairman, John Foley, stepped down from the role after four years leading the council.

He said: “The past four years have been a very happy period in the time that I have served on the parish council.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the residents of Stratton, but I feel now is the time to step down and let a younger person take up the reins.

"I hope that Cllr Tray enjoys his time in office as much as I did.”

The chairman of the council is voted for by the members of the council every year at the Annual Parish Council meeting.

Cllr Tray will be supported by Cllr Roger Smith as vice chairman.

The appointments come just weeks after the parish hosted their elections, which took place on the same day as the General Election on May 7.

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council is one of the largest local authority in the country and households are required to pay £105.52 a year in their council tax bill to for grassroots services.

Earlier this year, the boundaries of the ward were decreased with the formation of Nythe Parish Council, which will provide local services to about 1,100 households in the area.

To find out more about Stratton St Margaret Parish Council visit the website, which can be found at www.stratton stmargaret.gov.uk/default.aspx.