THE NEW MAYOR of Stonehouse has revealed her priorities for the town. 

Carol Kambites, a retired teacher and research fellow, was elected as mayor last week, replacing Gary Powell. 

She has been a Stonehouse Town Councillor for 12 years with the last four as deputy mayor.

Ms Kambites serves on the town business and town environment committees and convenes Support Stonehouse and Stonehouse Community Climate Action Forum.

Living in Stonehouse with her husband, she is an active member of the Green Party and chair of Stroud Valleys Cycle Campaign. 

Ms Kambites - who has two grown-up sons and four grandchildren - is one of the group of volunteers who organise the annual Stonehouse Walking Festival.

In her spare time, Carol enjoys cycling with Stonehouse Wheelers Cycle Club, walking with friends and growing vegetables on her allotment.

Ms Kambites said:"I am honoured to have been elected as mayor of Stonehouse.

"I am looking forward to working with my fellow councillors, our supportive staff team and Stonehouse residents to tackle the climate emergency to progress the council’s projects and make Stonehouse an even better place to live, work and play.

"In particular, I am keen to make progress on the re-opening of Stonehouse Bristol Road station (which is awaiting government approval to proceed to the next stage), the development of an environmental and recreational area at Stagholt and a canal-side hub in Stonehouse in association with the re-opening of the canal."