A FORMER Argus reporter has become a council’s first independent Chairman for 15 years.

Councillor Joss Loader has vowed to raise the profile of the role at Adur District Council while raising money for life-saving equipment in the community.

She wants to use her term to launch a Community Defibrillator Appeal to provide life-saving, publicly accessible machines.

Cllr Loader said: ““I am doing this in memory of my late father Brian Hollebone, who died very suddenly from a catastrophic heart attack more than 30 years ago when defibrillators were not not available.

“If just one resident’s life can be saved, I shall consider it a job very well done.

“We have already done this with great success on Shoreham Beach and Shoreham Beach Residents Association installed two defibrillators last month after a fund-raising drive.

“It’s early days but I plan to work with local community groups to try to ensure that all areas have 24/7 access to these great machines.”

Councillor Joss Loader represents Marine ward on behalf of the SBRA.

She wants to raise the profile of the area, which she praised for its “fantastic community spirit”.

The mother-of-two said: “I would like to raise the post’s profile and to demonstrate to our great local residents, organisations and charities that they are fully supported by Adur District Council in the work they do.

“There is some uncertainty about the role of a Chairman - as people identify more readily with the office of a Mayor. I will work to raise greater awareness and engagement.”

She decided to stand for council because of her strong interest in the local community.

She said: “As a former newspaper reporter, it was something I vowed that I would never do.

“I have a passion for communications and keeping residents fully engaged, consulted and informed.

“As chairman, I would like to raise the post’s profile and to demonstrate to our great local residents, organisations and charities that they are fully supported by Adur District Council in the work they do.

“There is some uncertainty about the role of a Chairman - as people identify more readily with the office of a Mayor. I will work to raise greater awareness and engagement.

“Adur is made up of very distinct communities, comprising Shoreham, Lancing, Sompting, Southwick and Fishersgate.

“What our residents do have in common is a very strong “sense of place” and a fabulous community spirit, combined with passion and commitment to enhancing where we live. On a personal level, it simply feels like “home”.