SEASONALLY sunny June weather brought a good turn-out to the Ledbury's Community Picnic in the Walled Garden on Sunday afternoon, with many people taking the opportunity to meet and chat with Ledbury's town councillors.

The initiative was the brainchild of the council's new chairman, Nina Shields, who last month signalled a break with the council's recently troubled past by refusing the title of mayor when she was elected to head the council; and she chose the title of chairman instead.

Speaking shortly after her election, Cllr Shields said: "As a council we need to work together to regain the confidence of the town.

"We need to examine what has happened and learn from it to build a better future."

There are currently only 13 town councillors, out of a possible total of 18, following a run of recent resignations.

Elections to fill the vacancies will take place this month.

Cllr Shields said that community was "at the heart of everything" and the community picnic would be a way of celebrating that fact.

One of the people attending was Ledbury Rotarian, Jan Long who said: "Attendance was good at the "Meet Councillors in the Walled Garden" event.

"This important initiative was open to all and Chairman Nina Shields had conversations with many members of the public."

She added: "A picnic table had been set with a range of free refreshments and rugs were on the ground. Nina had a five minute rest of the Rotary Bench installed for all to enjoy, and on another garden seat was a gentleman having a well-earned rest."

Mrs Long added: "The garden was resplendent with flowers in bloom and the sun shone brightly. We hope this is a good omen for the future."