AN ERA of change and transparency has been heralded for Almondsbury under the direction of a new parish leader.

Recently-elected chairman Cllr Cliff Hilliker, who joined the parish council back in March, was appointed to the role this month and told the Gazette his priority would be to ensure the authority acted "more openly" and was attuned to its constituents’ needs and opinions.

Following a feud with Woodhouse Close residents over the council's decision, under the leadership of Cllr Diane Wilson, to sell the only access road to their homes, the relationship between councillors and the parish had grown increasingly strained.

Villagers appalled by what they called their representatives' "lack of cooperation" and disregard for their safety had even taken legal action.

Last year, Cllr Frank Fairman had also been investigated by South Gloucestershire Council for breaching the code of conduct during meetings and asked to undergo special training as a result.

Cllr Hilliker said that the council had many issues to tackle.

"There is a lot to do and sort out," he said. "We should be more open to parishioners’ thoughts and concerns about the local area."

After retiring from the Royal Air Force a year ago, he began lending a hand at the Almondsbury Shop. It is during that time he felt he should get involved in local politics.

"There were a couple of issues raised by the people in the shop and people saying that the council were not doing this and that," he added. "I thought maybe I could help the community."

As part of his agenda, he will try along with his colleagues to focus on villagers’ concerns with the fate of Almondsbury Cemetery, which is in urgent need of expansion.

Despite the economic slump which has forced the parish for the time in its history to raise a precept, as part of residents’ council tax, he said he was confident that some of the matters at hand could be resolved swiftly. Now that a new clerk has joined the authority, its website should be updated regularly.

"I have got a very positive view for the council. We could move ahead very quickly over some issues in the parish."

The parish has also welcomed a new deputy chairman, as Cllr Keith Burchell took over from Cllr Marion Stooke.

Diane Wilson was not available for comment.