Conservative Cllr Angus Adams was voted in as transport authority Centro’s new chairman within minutes of the start of Centro’s AGM (Monday 28th June 2010, 11am.)
His appointment was shortly followed by that of Liberal Democrat Cllr Jon Hunt as Centro’s vice chairman.
On accepting the position of Centro chairman Cllr Adams said:
“I would like to thank everyone who has made it possible for me to chair of this excellent body and I will strive to maintain its position as the best ITA (Integrated Transport Authority) in the country.
“I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Cllr Gary Clarke who in his six years at the helm moved this organisation in a very positive direction forward and his tenure ought not to go unrecognised.
“We have some tough times ahead with funding restrictions but with the help and advice of an excellent team of officers, a committed and enthusiastic membership and the help of our partners we shall move forward and deliver our pledge of a world class transport system. This will make sure that the local agenda is at the forefront of our efforts.”
Cllr Adams was welcomed onto the Integrated Transport Authority on 24th June 2005 by out going chairman Cllr Gary Clarke. He has had a keen interest in improving transport across the West Midlands for many years.
Until his appointment today he was Centro’s lead member for Rail and rapid transit development and played a pivotal role in developing, promoting and delivering both light and heavy rail projects and services. In his new role he will take on the post of lead member for policy and district liaison.
From June 2008 until June 2010 he was chairman of the West Midlands Planning and Transportation Sub-Committee, but continues in his roles on the West Midlands Road Safety Partnership Board and the Stourbridge Area Housing Panel. He is also the cabinet member for Transportation at Dudley Council.
He is one of three councillors for Norton Ward, which covers the areas of Norton, part of Wollaston, part of Oldswinford and part of Pedmore and has been a councillor since 2000.
He represents his constituents in Norton, the people of Stourbridge and the people of Dudley Metropolitan Borough. He is a member of the Stourbridge Area Committee and works to represent the views of local people on the Council.
Cllr Jon Hunt is the Liberal Democrat group leader and has been the lead member for buses and highways where he has shown himself to be passionate about reviewing and improving bus routes and about safety on public transport.
Cllr Jon Hunt, Centro’s vice chairman said:
“Our two groups [Liberal Democrats and Conservatives] will be working together closely and we have welcomed some talented new members of all parties to the transport authority.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to over see the implementation of public transport in the region.
“We have a number of challenges including bus, rail and metro services in Birmingham city centre.”
In his new responsibility as vice chairman he will also take on the role of lead member for communications and will oversee development of the Local Transport Plan. He will chair the new Birmingham city centre steering group which is being formed with senior members of Centro and Birmingham city council.
Cllr Hunt is the Birmingham city councillor for Perry Bar ward and is the chairman of the education scrutiny committee.
