Better facilities for youngsters and an improved shopping experience are priorities for the new St Neots town centre manager. Tom McCormick, 57, replaces Elaine Thody, who resigned last month. Mr McCormick, right, moved to St Neots in 1991 and lives with

Better facilities for youngsters and an improved shopping experience are priorities for the new St Neots town centre manager.

Tom McCormick, 57, replaces Elaine Thody, who resigned last month.

Mr McCormick, right, moved to St Neots in 1991 and lives with his wife and two children in Eaton Ford.

He said he was excited about his new role and was still settling in.

"With the projected growth of the town this is an exciting time and I am honoured to be part of it," he said.

Born in Scotland, Mr McCormick previously worked for the Government Office for the East of England.

He said he wanted the town centre manager role so he could become more involved in the area where he lives.

"I spent a fair period of my life working in central government and wanted an opportunity to become more involved in the local community, and this seemed like an ideal way of helping contribute to the area where I live.

"The town itself is very attractive and it has many features including the riverside, golf club and a leisure centre. But there is still more we can do to improve it."

He sees the extra housing in St Neots as an ideal opportunity to develop facilities in the town.

"With the projected growth of the town the facilities will be under even more pressure and now is the time to start thinking about developing them. The town could benefit from more youth facilities and improved retail."

INFORMATION: Tom McCormick can be contacted on 01480 388911 Monday to Wednesday.