THE new chairman of Malvern Hills District Council is coun Reg Farmer (LIndridge) who was elected unopposed at the council's annual meeting on Tuesday.

Coun Farmer, who is serving his second term as chairman, will be supported by coun Mike Morgan (Upton and Hanley), who was chosen as vice-chairman.

The council's new leader is coun Phil Grove (Tenbury), with his deputy being coun Joe Smith, (Malvern Chase).

Coun Grove, who has served on the council for six years, is delighted to be taking on the lead role.

He said: “I am incredibly passionate about this district and the work of the council. Over the past few years we have made great leaps forward in terms of performance and satisfaction amongst residents and I look forward to continuing that upward journey.

“Over the next twelve months we shall be working hard to ensure all residents in the district feel a real part of their local communities. Not only do we want to enhance the way in which we engage with our communities, it is important that residents feel that this council values their input and opinions.”

Councillor Grove takes over from Councillor Ralph Madden, who served as interim leader after Serena Croad stepped down in May.