A NEW chairman for Wychavon District Council has officially taken over.

At Wednesday's council meeting (May 17) Cllr Frances Smith, handed over her chain to incoming chairman, Cllr. Liz Eyre, the well-known member for Broadway.

The first order of council was to welcome newly elected members Cllr. Matthew Snape for Evesham South and Cllr. Sital Harris for Droitwich South East.

Cllr Eyre said: "Many congratulations to Cllr. Frances Smith on a such a successful year.

"I’m so looking forward to what is ahead and I have a few areas that I’m keen to work on.

"The first is around faith. As someone with a very strong faith I want to ensure we continue to make this a part of this council, however, I want to make sure that we truly reflect our community.

"Therefore I will not be appointing one chaplain – instead I will have representatives from several faiths joining us throughout the year.

“I have a number of themes that I would like to focus on – these are mental health, physical health, heritage and culture.”

Cllr. Frances Smith, outgoing Chairman for Wychavon said “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this most enjoyable year.

"I’m very pleased to have met so many interesting people and to have had this opportunity.

"I’m also thrilled to be making a donation of £3,500 to St. Richard’s Hospice and thank you to everyone who has contributed.

"I wish Cllr. Eyre all the best for her coming year and I have no doubt that she will get as much out of it as I have.”

The chairman’s consort for public engagements will be her husband, Doug Eyre.

Anyone who would like the Chairman to support their event, contact the Wychavon Support Services team on 01386 565201 or email karen.maslen@wychavon.gov.uk.