MELANIE Doel has been appointed chairman of Brecon Beacons National Park for the third year running.
The unanimous vote at the body’s annual general meeting last week also saw her deputy, Councillor Glynog Davies reappointed to the helm.
Both welcomed 24 new members of the National Park Authority, including 10 who were newly elected to their posts.
Addressing members, Mrs Doel, a former BBC TV journalist, said: “It has been a challenging year with many changes but also some great outcomes. I am proud that this authority has turned those challenges into opportunities.
“The National Park Visitor Centre at Libanus is going from strength to strength with a new thriving catering business. It is also providing an exciting platform for local craftsmen to promote and sell their goods.
“The Authority is continuing its commitment to the very successful grant giving Sustainable Development Fund, and for every pound we invest on average it draws an extra eight pounds into the community. New terms are being put in place to ensure footpaths continue to be kept open and our planning performance and good reputation continues to grow.
“I am proud to resume my post as chairman of the Authority and will do all I can to support this Authority and all those people who live and work in the Brecon Beacons National Park.”
Newly elected deputy chairman for the Authority, Cllr Glynog Davies added: “I am honoured once again to have been elected as deputy chairman for the National Park Authority.
“It has been a pleasure to support Melanie Doel as chairman for the past two years and I look forward to carrying on working with her, members and officers of the National Park Authority for another year. We all work very well together and long may we continue in doing so.”
Also in attendance were the six other Welsh Government members Mr Edward Evans, Prof Alan Lovell, Mr James Marsden, Ms Deborah Perkin, Mr Ian Rowat and Mr Julian Stedman.