INVOLVING the public more in the affairs of Amesbury will be one of the aims of new town mayor Councillor John Noeken.

Mr Noeken was presented with his chain of office by outgoing mayor, Councillor Jan Swindlehurst, at the council's annual meeting last week.

Mr Noeken told councillors Mrs Swindlehurst had "been a credit to the council" during her year of office, a year which had seen the councillors working together for the benefit of the town.

Mr Noeken said he wanted to continue this theme but also wanted to expand the "openness of the council" by involving the public more. He said the opening of the council's first enquiry office in the health centre, where the public can call in to speak to town clerk, or a member of the council, will make the council more accessible.

Mrs Swindlehurst said she had enjoyed her year of office.

She said: "It was the fastest year of my life but one that I will always remember."