Whitchurch Town Council has been boosted by the appointment of two more councillors at its last full meeting last week.

The council, which has been short on numbers since the resignation of former mayor Mike McDonald and long-term councillor Ticker Harris, was joined by Professor Norma Raynes and Matt Fewster.

Professor Raynes, who describes herself as a practical professor, is the executive director of Intergen, and has led studies into all age ranges both in the UK and abroad.

She said: "I am delighted to be a Whitchurch resident but I’m the new kid on the block in some sense.

"I like this town and I want to help. I’ve seen it struggle but lately I’ve seen it gain some energy, filling shops.

"We can bring people together to have fun and work together. I read in the newspaper that people were wanted and maybe some of the work I’ve done with people in early years would be useful here.

"I’ve never been in a place that has four butcher shops doing well. If I can do anything to help the town of Whitchurch, I would be delighted to do so."

Councillor Fewster told councillors his background was in health and fitness and he was close to achieving the professional qualifications needed for his day-to-day work.

He said his motivation to join the council was based around more ideas to get people fit and active.

He added: "I live and work in Whitchurch and want to do my bit for this town.

"I’m keen eager to learn and have ideas I would like to put forward. I have interests in health and fitness, and currently close to qualifying as a personal trainer.

"I would like to promote health and wellbeing issues with the council."

Both new councillors were unanimously accepted onto the council.

Meanwhile, PC Deb Wheeler gave an update of police activity in the town, including trying to bring shops closer together to report crime or keep each other informed of any potential shoplifters in Whitchurch.

She added that one had been identified and shop owners were being warned over what to do.

PC Wheeler also explained to councillors that police had been issuing section 59 orders to drivers that have used their vehicle in a manner which causes alarm or distress.

She also explained that a passenger could also have their vehicle seized.

Other items on the agenda including all minutes from sub-committees being passed by councillors, and Cllr Terry O'Neill confirmed that any plans for the building of the all-inclusive play area in Whitchurch would need to undergo a fresh planning application.

Town clerk Nicola Young also confirmed Shropshire Council will discuss the freehold of the Civic Centre.