BURNHAM has a new environment co-ordinator following a council vote.

Burnham Town Council voted councillor Vanessa Bell to become its new environment co-ordinator at a meeting on Tuesday.

The closely contested vote was decided by mayor Wendy Stamp after Ms Bell and existing environment co-ordinator Mike Wood both received four votes each.

Before the vote, several councillors told the meeting they had received “hundreds” of complaints from residents about the state of the environment and green spaces within Burnham.

Mike Wood defended his work in the role, which he took up a year ago when long-standing councillor Una Norman resigned.

Mr Wood said: “When I took up the position a year ago, I had little idea what was going on, but I was determined to do it to the best of my ability.

“You get a lot of people asking for the council to cut their lawns and manage their gardens when the plants get overgrown, which happens every year, and it’s not always possible for us to do.

“If I do a job, I would like to be left to do the job by myself, and if people have problems they can come to me, I do want to know what’s going on.

“I have enjoyed my role, and I do not think I’ve done a bad job.”

But Nick Skeens and Vanessa Bell argued Mr Wood had not taken into account the importance of volunteers in managing Burnham’s environment.

Addressing Mr Wood, Mr Skeens said: “It’s not only about just cutting the grass and flower baskets, it’s also about gathering a group of volunteers who want to be involved in that activity.

“I can see you’re shaking your head there, but I absolutely believe it’s true.

"We have reduced funding, and less resources, and that means volunteers are utterly essential for us and must be respected, and we must work with them.

“Those willing to give up so much of their time are crucial for ensuring our town’s environment is the best it can be.”

Vanessa Bell said: “I have had hundreds of complaints about the state of Burnham’s environment.

“I have worked with volunteer groups before, organising litter picks with the Duke of Edinburgh volunteers and they are brilliant. It is so important we work with these people.”

Eight councillors cast a vote, with deputy mayor Louise Pudney abstaining.