The officers were elected at an extraordinary general meeting of the council held on Wednesday 7 October following the recent resignations of three councillors.
 
The EGM also elected members of the town council’s personnel committee and appointed bank account signatories.
 
Mr Mitchell, who has been a town councillor since 2018, has lived in Reepham for 47 years. He is a graduate of Cambridge University and has worked in senior positions in the Norfolk education system.
 
He previously held posts as director of Dereham Sixth Form College, Ofsted schools inspector, principal schools adviser for Norfolk County Council, headteacher of Aylsham High School and interim headteacher of Northgate High School, Dereham.
 
Mr Mitchell said he was pleased to have been appointed as chair of Reepham Town Council: “Reepham is a place that I have been lucky enough to call my home for the past forty-seven years, so it is good to be able to give something back by serving the community of Reepham and the surrounding area.
 
“I am fortunate to be part of a team of very committed and conscientious councillors, who, like me, are fond of Reepham and are willing to give their time without receiving any payment or expenses.
 
“It is particularly pleasing to see that others in the community share that community spirit and have put their names forward for co-option to the town council.
 
“The town council has an important role in caring for a wide range of facilities in Reepham, including the Market Place, Stimpson’s Piece and the pavilion, the play area on Overton Way, the churchyard and the Pound, the cemeteries and the allotments at Norwich Road, Stony Lane and Fiddler’s Field.
 
“The town council is also consulted on planning matters by Broadland District Council and can support or object to applications, although it does not make decisions on planning matters, which is the responsibility of the district council.
 
“I, my fellow councillors and the clerk are always keen to hear from residents and businesses about any ideas they may have as to how Reepham can be improved, how the town council might be able to help them or any concerns that they may have.”
 
The town council now has five vacancies. For more information on becoming a town councillor, please contact: Jo Boxall, Town Clerk by email
 
See our earlier stories:

• Chairman among three town councillor resignations in a week
• Former headteacher co-opted to town council