BISHOP’S Waltham has welcomed two new faces to the parish council – and they wasted no time in getting down to business.

After being co-opted by the council at a meeting on Tuesday (July 9), Simon Orr and May Martin, who were chosen from five candidates, took up their seats immediately.

Mr Orr, a Royal Marine for 32 years and a resident in the town for 16, conceded that his military service had prevented full participation in community life until now, and told the council that would change.

“Now I’m retired and I would like to contribute. I would like to think I could bring some of that community ethos from the Royal Marines to serving Bishop’s Waltham.”

May Martin impressed councillors with her track record of involvement in events such as the Jubilee street party and the Party in the Park .

She said: “I’ve already started ploughing my way through The Good Councillor’s Guide!