NEWLY co-opted town councillor Gareth Derrick has said he is ‘honoured’ to take up his new role and is keen to tell residents about himself and his vision for Ivybridge.

Cllr Derrick, who was brought in to fill a vacancy left by the ­resignation of Graham Punchard, said because he had not been elected he was ‘acutely aware’ that locals may wish to know more about him.

He wrote: ‘I have lived in Ivybridge for 22 years and Plymouth and the South Hams for most of my Royal Naval career, spanning 36 years. My wife has taught at The Erme Primary School and since leaving the navy I have run a small business in Ivybridge.

‘My three children and one granddaughter very much enjoy Ivybridge as their true home. But what of the future for Ivybridge?

‘The community and its council have already prepared the valuable Neighbourhood Plan, which sets a clear ­direction. Still in draft, it will become increasingly important as it moves through formal approval by referendum and adoption by South Hams Council.

‘It will be used to guide planning decisions and help manage development.

‘In my position as a councillor, I hope to be able to help ensure that the plan is fine-tuned ahead of the referendum, is well understood and will serve residents well.

‘My vision for Ivybridge reflects the broad direction of the draft plan, but I would highlight the following: while much great work has already been done by groups such as PL:21 and the Ivybridge Environmental Action Group, I believe Ivybridge will benefit from a more developed and unique “identity”, moving well beyond its recent image as perhaps a sleepy dormitory town. This cannot come about simply through the actions of the council and a few individuals, but through us all.

‘Further growth is to be encouraged, through more housing, yes; but importantly, only if this is alongside sensible growth in the infrastructure of health, education, leisure and cultural ­facilities, and through a vibrant town centre and better public spaces, transport and access.

‘Ivybridge is poised to raise its profile in the South Hams and should find a flagship project to help it. The Stowford Mill development will add much, but let’s really build on our existing credentials, perhaps through a hydroelectric plant at Stowford or a new event to showcase sporting opportunities.

‘Most of all, I hope to see Ivybridge maturing into a town with a strong voice in the South Hams and with its needs and aspirations well represented at all levels of government.

‘Whether you share my vision or not, I’m keen to listen to your views, as my role will be to represent you as the most important stakeholders in this town.

‘I welcome your comments on my Facebook account – www.facebook.com/gareth.derrick.1 – or do please get in touch via Ivybridge Town Council.’