GLOUCESTERSHIRE Joint Waste Committee has appointed its new chairman.

Cotswold District councillor Sue Coakley, previously the vice chairman, will be continuing with the county wide functions of the committee, working alongside the new vice chairman Councillor Brian Robinson, the deputy leader of Forest Dean District Council.

The committee oversees waste management, recycling, and street cleaning servies for local authorities in Cotswold and Tewkesbury, as well as Gloucestershire County Council.

It has delegated powers to make decisions and has introduced a range of countywide initiatives including recent campaigns on increasing food waste recycling, the promotion of real nappies, and encouraging more composting.

Cllr Coakley said: "Since it was formed in 2013 the Joint Waste Committee has had considerable success.

"From this November all councils in Gloucestershire will be providing a food waste recycling service either using the anaerobic digester or composting as appropriate. This both saves money and reduces land fill.

“I would like to thank the outgoing chairman, Councillor Jim Mason, the lead member for clean and green environment at Tewkesbury Borough Council, for his contribution and leadership.

"I am very pleased to continue this work at the helm of the committee during 2016-17, and will continue to look for ways to improve these vital services."