GWYNEDD Council has appointed a new deputy leader.

The leader of Gwynedd Council Dyfrig Siencyn has appointed Cllr Dafydd Meurig to the role.

Cllr Meurig is currently Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member for environment where he has responsibility for planning, transport and public protection. He will continue to hold the environment portfolio as he takes on the role of deputy leader.

His appointment follows the decision of Cllr Mair Rowlands to step-down from her role on the council Cabinet and as deputy leader after her appointment as director of Bangor Students’ Union.

Having started his career with the BBC, Cllr Meurig has run companies in the media and publishing fields before being elected a county councillor. He has been active in the Dyffryn Ogwen area for a number of years, and he has a particular interest in the ability of communities to find solutions to their local issues.

He is one of the founders and the current chairman of Partneriaeth Ogwen which develops local community projects – including Ynni Ogwen, a community company that produces green energy for local use.

Cllr Siencyn said: “Dafydd is an experienced Cabinet member and I’m certain that he will make a valuable contribution to the work.

“He succeeds Cllr Mair Rowlands as deputy leader. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her for her work as a Cabinet member and I’m sure she will continue to make an important contribution as a local member on the council.”

On his appointment as deputy leader, Cllr Meurig stated: “I consider it an honour and a privilege to be appointed deputy leader of Gwynedd Council. I’m looking forward to helping with the work to deliver the best possible services for the people of Gwynedd.”