Arun’s cabinet reshuffle ‘thrills’ former chairman

Mr Chapman was elected to the cabinet with the new environmental services portfolio at the annual council meeting on Wednesday (June 4) having previously been the council’s chairman.

The role involves responsibility for policy on areas such as coast protection, parks and green spaces, play areas and environmental health.

At the same meeting, Mr Chapman officially handed over the reins to incoming chairman, councillor Dougal Maconachie.

Talking about the year as chairman, supported by his wife Anne as consort, he described it as ‘hard work, but great fun and hugely rewarding’,

Mr Chapman said: “With our chosen charity, Home-start Arun, we have helped raise a considerable amount of money in order to further their work within the district.

“To all those who have helped in any way we extend our sincere thanks. The unobtrusive but hugely valuable support of Home-start Arun helps families experiencing difficulties to make positive progress and to remain together as a strong and enduring family unit, I salute their success and we should all be grateful for the unselfish work of their volunteers.

Mr Chapman has held a number of fundraising events throughout the year, some directly with the charity, including a family fun day and a fashion show.

Speaking of his new function at Arun, he said: “With topics such as coastal protection and emergency planning, I know I will be kept very busy and have many challenges to deal with, but I am looking forward to my new role.”

As part of the cabinet reshuffle by council leader councillor Gill Brown, councillor Norman Dingemans has stood down from his position as portfolio holder for customer services.

The changes comprise dividing the topics covered by the former environmental services portfolio into two new portfolios – leisure and amenities and environmental services.

The former cabinet member for customer services held by Mr Dingemans has now been split and incorporated into two of the existing portfolios.

However, many positions remain the same.

Arun is still being led by Mrs Brown, who is the cabinet member for strategy while deputy leader councillor Dudley Wensley remains cabinet member for corporate governance.

Councillor Ricky Bower also retains his role as the cabinet member for planning of infrastructure, while councillor Roger Elkins leads as the cabinet member for housing.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon is the cabinet member for community services while councillor Paul Dendle – the former cabinet member for the environment, is now the cabinet member for the newly-formed leisure and amenities.

Mr Chapman is the cabinet member for environmental services.

Mrs Brown said: “Our new cabinet will be strongly focused on the issues that really matter to Arun, which is why I have revised the portfolios to make them more closely aligned with the council’s priorities.”