The new town mayor has made saving green spaces his top priority.

Cllr Phillip Abraham, who represents Loughton Residents Association, says taking away green spaces is “not a healthy decision”.

He says he is looking forward to representing Loughton Town Council and attended a number of mayoral events during his time as deputy, last year.

The father-of-two retired early and wanted to help serve his local community.

He said: “Loughton Residents Association really look out for the community in every day problems. I am not into party politics, and that’s why I joined LRA. There is people from different backgrounds in the party, whether they are Labour, Green or Conservative, when it comes to local issues we come together.

“I aim to work with everyone.

“A main priority of mine is to keep the green spaces. We see lots of development around the area and in the local plan, a lot of land is earmarked.

“I want to see a balance. Taking away green space is not a healthy decision.”

Mr Abraham also wants to see the facilities at Roding Valley recreation ground improved.

“A lot of people use the facilities on a Saturday morning. There is people playing football and tennis. I want to update them, so we need more investment. We are working on getting some funding for that.”

The town council are also moving from their current building in Rectory Lane, to the library to become more included in the community.

“We are a bit detached from the community at the moment and stuck in the corner. The library is a bit more welcoming.”

Mr Abraham moved to England from India when he was 22, and he studied engineering before carving out a career in the industry.

He met his wife, Amanda, in Barkingside, and they moved to Loughton a short while after.

One of his first engagements as town mayor is the Jessel Green community fun day on July 16 in Debden.

The event, held by the Town Council, will include a variety of stalls, a dance display by children from schools to celebrate the 2017 UK and Indian year of culture.