A new councillor hopes to boost business in a town and fight litter.
Peter Biernis has been co-opted onto Biggleswade Town Council, and takes the place of the late Councillor Rex Skinner, who passed away in November.
The 53-year-old, of Boothey Close, will represent Ivel ward and is looking forward to the challenges of being a councillor.
He said: “Rex was a good friend of mine and I hope to be able to continue his good work. Litter and dog fouling are still a problem in Biggleswade and I will be working to combat them.
“I think business in the town centre is also flagging and this is something I would also like to improve.
“When you go into nearby towns like Hitchin and St Neots at weekends especially, they are bustling, but Biggleswade isn’t and I think this needs to be worked on.”
Labour councillor Mr Biernis, who has lived in Biggleswade for more than 30 years added: “I think it is important that councillors are approachable and are easy to get hold of, and I’m looking forward to working with people in the community.”
Married Mr Biernis has two grown-up daughters and works as a manager for the BOC Group, an NHS sub-contractor that supplies medical oxygen for patients in their homes.
In his spare time he enjoys fishing and he used to play for Biggleswade Rugby Club.
He can be contacted on 01767 220758 or 07913 825245, or peter.biernis@gmail.com