Karen Turner

Occupation: Retired. Former Deputy Town Clerk to Ashburton Town Council

Council Role: Currently Chairman of the Finance and Town Hall Buildings Committee. Also, Deputy of the Planning committee and member of the General Purposes Committee and the Asset Management Working Group.

What do you enjoy most about serving the community: There is a great satisfaction in being able to “get things done” for the community. This can be a frustrating and long-winded affair sometimes as the town council does not have a back pocket full of cash. Being able to support local organisations, helping to shape the future of our town to be cleaner, more welcoming and having the opportunity to make a real difference is very rewarding.

What is one issue that you would encourage residents to get involved in: In these difficult times with the lack of funding from larger councils and the government I would encourage everyone to get involved in the town by joining organisations, volunteering at town events and supporting our wonderful independent shops.

A fun fact about yourself: Not sure if this is fun but I have been to numerous Sting concerts. My passion for him started in about 1977 and I have been to numerous concerts all over England and once in Luxembourg. I went up to the Albert Hall twice in one week and drag my long-suffering husband to all of them. I’ve been to Scarborough, Cardiff, Manchester, London and one of the best was at the Roundhouse in London when he was performing with Shaggy.