A NEW councillor has been elected for the Richmond central ward in the district council.

Lorraine Hodgson, who is already a Richmond Town Councillor, has been elected to fill the Richmondshire District Council seat, which opened upon the death of Cllr John Robinson in January.

Cllr Hodgson is a member of the Richmondshire Independents group, alongside her sister Cllr Angela Dale, as well as Cllrs Helen Grant, Paul Cullen and William Heslop.

She said: “I’m really excited to be elected and I’m proud to be an independent councillor. I don’t think local councils should be tied up with politics.

“When I was campaigning I just told people about me, and how I wanted to help with their issues and ideas. I want to be a real community councillor, who is approachable and involved.”

Cllr Hodgson, who is married with two teenage children, is a teaching assistant at Richmond Methodist School and a member of Richmond Meet and Transition Richmond Yorkshire, a group which promotes sustainable living.

She said anyone who wants help with Richmond Meet can attend monthly meetings at the Black Lion, Finkle Street, Richmond, on the third Wednesday of the month.

To get in touch with her call 01748-850879 or email cllr.lhodgson@richmondshire.gov.uk.