Home Page Haverhill News

Haverhill's profile has been raised on St Edmundsbury Council by the creation of a new role with responsibility for the town and the appointment of a Haverhill councillor to fill it.

Cllr Anne Gower (pictured) has been given the newly-created portfolio of Haverhill and housing, and a seat in the cabinet, the small group of councillors which controls the council and makes the major decisions.

Council leader Cllr John Griffiths said:
“The cabinet is delighted to welcome Anne and I know she will bring fresh eyes and energy to the challenges we face. This is the first time we have had a cabinet member specifically for Haverhill issues and Anne, with her passion for the town, will make sure these issues are always at the forefront of our thinking.

"The town is economically dynamic and geographically well-placed for growth, and its talented young people will play a crucial part in the future of the borough.

"Anne has an excellent track record as a ward councillor and she will be a valuable member of the team."

Along with the specific Cabinet responsibility for Haverhill and Haverhill town centre management, Cllr Gower will also be taking borough-wide responsibility for strategic housing and homelessness, and local responsibility for community development and the Youth Action Plan.

Cllr Karen Richardson, ward member for Haverhill East, will be working with Anne as assistant portfolio holder.

Cllr Gower said: “I am looking forward to being part of the continuing development of Haverhill and improving the quality of life of its residents, both on the big issues which impact on everyone and on the individual problems that are so important to residents.

"And I am delighted to be working closely with Karen, a lifelong resident of Haverhill and a dedicated ward member, who will bring her broad experience to the role."

Cllr Gower moved, with her husband, Ian, to Haverhill from a village nearby eight years ago. She has been a borough and town councillor for Haverhill North since May 2007 and in June 2009 was elected to Suffolk County Council, representing the Haverhill East and Kedington division.

Her other posts include chair of Haverhill Partnership Forum and Haverhill Executive Forum as well as being on the management board of Haverhill Volunteer Centre and serving on many other committees in the town.