Newton Poppleford and Harpford Parish Council has welcomed a new representative to their ranks – and she has pledged to keep the latter village high on the agenda for future meetings.

Val Ranger was recently elected into the group to serve residents in the two villages.

Her community influence started in 1990, when she joined a national campaign on behalf of World War Two veterans to gain more financial and emotional support.

Three years later, Val joined Newton Poppleford Rainbow Playgroup Committee and held down a variety of local roles thereafter, including secretary to Newton Poppleford Primary School’s Parent and Teacher Association and school governor.

Having lived in Harpford for more than 21 years, Val said the reasons she stood to be councillor stemmed from specific issues that are still ongoing in her ward.

“Harpford has been devastated by the church reclaiming our much loved and very well used village hall,” she said. “It has now been empty for nearly 18 months.

“It was the regular venue for village gatherings which brought the whole community together, young and old alike.”

Val also acknowledged other current problems in Harpford and said she would aim to tackle them effectively.

She added: “I am hoping to keep the profile of Harpford high on the agenda at parish council level and I am looking forward to working with the rest of the council for the benefit of the community of Harpford and Newton Poppleford.”