A NEW chairman has been appointed at Humshaugh Parish Council.

Coun. Rupert Gibson, who is also county councillor for the Humshaugh ward, was elected as chairman at the annual parish council meeting last month.

Coun. Gibson is also the vice chairman of planning on Tynedale Local Area Council.

Former chairman Dick Moules stepped down after 12 years on the council, including one year as chairman, earlier this year.

Coun. Kirsten Francis was re-elected as vice-chairwoman.

The parish council submitted a notice of a casual vacancy to the elections office at Northumberland County Council on May 13. Voters in the parish have had 14 working days to submit a request for a by-election.

At least 10 requests must be received, otherwise the parish council are eligible to co-opt a new member to join. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.