Dawn Campbell of Independents for Newark (IfN) on the town council on being elected and the path forward

Like most of my fellow Independents for Newark (IfN) town councillors I had never stood for election before and am sure I speak for most of them when I say I was surprised but very grateful for the trust placed in us in the May elections, writes Dawn Campbell.

IfN are now the largest group on Newark Town Council and as a group we are committed to co-operative teamwork both within the council and with colleagues across the district and county, irrespective of party politics.

In addition to getting to grips with the protocols of conducting local government business, we have been establishing priorities, not only for the next four years but into a positive future for Newark.

The IfN ethos is to ensure that we can all share in what the town has to offer, and that young people and future generations can benefit from what we do now.

Our first priority was clear: tackling anti-social behaviour.

IfN councillors have been instrumental in addressing this through a multi-faceted approach involving all relevant agencies and we will continue to closely monitor progress.

We have a high level of expertise and experience across our group, meaning that decisions are well-informed and policies and procedures in all areas, including finance and staffing, can be confidently reviewed.

On the planning committee, we are effectively scrutinising applications.

The Climate Change working group, by interlinking with other organisations, can aim towards net-zero and a greener, healthier Newark.

Green spaces and parks are a clear priority for our residents, and we have been impressed with the level of engagement on the development of our recreational areas.

Newark-on-Sea has been a great success again this year and seeing happy children having fun in the centre of town has been genuinely heart-warming.

Town council funding for the brass band concerts, book festival and a vibrant market benefits a wide range of people and attracts visitors.

Continued support for all of these is an important focus for our group. By collaborating with others, we can achieve good things on a small but very valuable scale.

Genuine consultation with the public must be at the centre of our decisions and we encourage readers to get in touch: give us your ideas; express your concern; tell us what we are getting wrong and hold us to account.