Shepton Mallet Town Council announced Dave Crisfield as its new Chair during last week's Annual Meeting of the Council.

Dave Crisfield steps into the role following the tenure of Matt Harrison, who has been at the helm since 2020.

During his time as Chair, Matt Harrison has been credited with overseeing a period of considerable transformation within the council, fostering a culture of inclusivity and transparency that has allowed diverse voices within the community to be heard.

His efforts have supported various positive changes throughout Shepton Mallet, enhancing the council's engagement with the town's residents.

Gavin Mayall, Vice Chair of the council, praised Harrison's leadership, particularly noting the challenges faced during his tenure. "Matt took on the job as chairman of our council at a very difficult time, he has been instrumental in its transformation, presiding over the creation of an environment of inclusivity and transparency, allowing all voices to be heard," Mayall said.

"The job of chair is not an easy one, but Matt has always carried out his role with amazing impartiality and fairness at its core. Matt, I thank you personally and on behalf of the town for a very difficult job exceptionally well done," Mayall added.