Raj Odedra, Denise Higgins and Richard Pratt join Weston Parish Council
The owner of Weston Village Store and Post Office is one of three new parish councillors for the village and neighbouring Weston Hills.
Coun Raj Odedra was invited onto Weston Parish Council, along with Couns Denise Higgins and ex-chairman Richard Pratt, during a meeting on Monday.
Two of the new members, Couns Odedra and Higgins, now represent Weston village after the resignation of ex-councillor Mike Smith in April and a switch by Coun Linda Evans to represent Weston Hills ward.
Meanwhile, Coun Pratt is one of five members for Weston Hills ward, having succeeded Dennis Jex who also stood down in April.
Parish council chairman Coun Chris Dicks said: "I would like to say a big, big thank you to Richard for all you have done, both on the parish council and as its past chairman.
"It was a big shock to us when you stepped down in April so it's nice to have you back."
Coun Odedra, the only Asian parish councillor at the moment in South Holland, said: “I was born and brought up in India, but I’ve lived in the UK for the last 16 years. I’ve lived in Lincolnshire for five years, after moving up here from Hounslow, London, and I’m a familiar face to people in Weston.
“There are three or four other villages where I’m known as my shop has customers from Moulton, Moulton Chapel, Moulton Seas End and Weston Hills.
“Talking to my customers, I learned about the issues they had within their communities and a couple of parish councillors would always ask me if I had anything to say to them. I’m a part of the community already, but then I realised that joining the parish council would be a good way of passing on the thoughts from my customers.
“It’s an ideal position from which to get involved and put some ideas forward.”
Coun Higgins, a retired nurse from Newcastle, told members that she moved to Weston about three years ago after working at hospitals in Peterborough and Newcastle.
“I’m part of the Community Speed Watch team in Weston and Weston Hills, so it’s just a nice little progression to have joined the parish council,” Coun Higgins said.