"WE ARE committed to building as many homes as we can" – that is the view of new chairman of leading housing association Aster Group Andrew Jackson.

Mr Jackson began his role this week, replacing Mel Cook, who has headed the group since 2012.

Mr Jackson is already well known to Aster, which has an office in Weymouth, having served on the group board and chaired numerous committees.

In a career spanning more than 45 years, Mr Jackson has held executive and non-executive directorships in a variety of industries, including energy and construction, with positions at UK Atomic Energy Authority, MW High Tech Projects Ltd and Alfred McAlpine.

He brings a wealth of experience to the role including direct responsibility for financial affairs, risk management, internal control structures and performance monitoring.

Mr Jackson said: “It’s an exciting time to be taking on the role of chairman of the Aster Group Board. We launched our new group strategy earlier this year, which is underpinned by our vision that everyone should have a home.

“Across the country we are experiencing a desperate shortage of housing and we are committed to building as many new homes as we can. Following the government’s budget announcement in July, tackling this shortage became more of a challenge, however it is one that Aster is rising to. We are working through the specific implications on our business and how we can ensure the delivery of our strategy."