SHE may be new to the job, but Great Dunmow s new town clerk already has her sights set on improving the quality of the town council s services. Caroline Fuller, 48, from Ingatestone, has just moved into the hot seat vacated by the previous clerk Owen Wil

SHE may be new to the job, but Great Dunmow's new town clerk already has her sights set on improving the quality of the town council's services.

Caroline Fuller, 48, from Ingatestone, has just moved into the hot seat vacated by the previous clerk Owen Wilson after his 18-year tenure ended last year.

Not daunted by the task ahead Miss Fuller has spent the first three weeks catching up on projects, meeting new people and formulating a plan for improvements.

She said: "I want the council to start working towards receiving quality status which will indicate we are always acting in the proper manner and maintaining good standards. This council was very well led by Owen and I want to continue that whilst improving where we can."

On a personal level Miss Fuller describes family and friends as her most important considerations. She has two daughters, aged 14 and 16 and spends plenty of time with them.

Her hobbies include theatre visits to London's West End, dining out with friends and walking, whilst she also revealed she is no stranger to Dunmow's High Street.

"I enjoy walking and hope to walk the length of the flitch way at some point," she said. "I also like spending time with my friends, some of which live in Dunmow, so I have been here a few times already.

"The High Street is one of the aspects that drew me to the job, mainly because of all the individual shops. The town manages to retain its character and has a good sense of community."

Those communal links look set to be strengthened under the new clerk's time in office as she promotes a 'for the people' attitude to the public services it helps to provide.

Miss Fuller added: "We want to communicate effectively with the community and also represent their views and problems at higher levels on district and county council level."

Miss Fuller is an ex-secretary with five and a half years experience as a parish clerk, previous jobs included working for the horseracing association. She pledged her commitment to the new town and described it as a "long-term" move.

"This job is a step up from my previous clerk's job with Ingatstone and Fryerning Parish Council because Dunmow has over twice the amount of people, but it is not a stepping stone for the rest of my career.