MEMBERS of a residents association say they will continue to be the voice for the community after they were saved from possible closure.

The Beaconsfield Old Town Residents Association (BOTRA) was under threat of disbanding after their long-serving chairman, John Brown, moved away from the town and no new volunteers offered their services.

However, community stalwart and former town councillor Frank Armstrong has now taken to the helm and hopes to push BOTRA in the right direction.

He said: “I stepped up to the role because it was important for this group to continue. I have previous experience as chairman from about eight years ago and I have been a member for longer than I care to remember.

“The good thing about BOTRA is we can act as a voice for our residents and we can campaign and speak to councillors, or our MP, on their behalf.

“It is important our area has a voice and I think there are a number of issues which are sometimes concerning, including parking, traffic and road works.”

As well as being a member of BOTRA, Mr Armstrong was also a councillor from 2007 to 2011 and narrowly missed out on a return to the council this year.

He is also involved in the Royal British Legion, Beaconsfield Lions and the Beaconsfield Community Association. Mr Armstrong said: “I have stepped forward because there was no others pushing forward to be chairman, however, we would still like some new blood and new ideas within the group.”

If you would be interested in being a member of BOTRA, please contact Mr Armstrong on 01494 676768.