Wychavon District Council is putting a renewed focus on customer service after the sudden retirement of a board member.

Leader of the council, Bradley Thomas, recently announced they will be making changes to the decision-making executive board.

It comes following the retirement of councillor Ron Davis, who announced he would be stepping down from his position as executive board member for finance due to a health scare.

Councillor Davis, who will continue in his role as representative for Eckington, said: “I have served on the executive board for seven years in all and the portfolio l enjoyed most was Resources and Investments as it fitted in with my banking and commercial life.

“I regret very much having to leave this role but one’s health must come first especially in my tender years.

“Wychavon is a very financially strong council which has been achieved from many years of sound management and good governance and l will miss being at the sharp end.”

One of the major changes will see councillor Emma Stokes take on a new role, with responsibility for resident and customer services.

This includes areas such as waste and recycling collection, street cleaning, car parking and Wychavon’s customer contact centres.

Elsewhere, councillor Martin King takes on a new role of responsibility for the district’s finances and corporate projects while councillor Richard Morris will see his role as board member for economy and tourism focused on town centre regeneration and master planning.

Joining the board is councillor Aaron Powell, who takes charge of planning, infrastructure and urban design.

Cllr Thomas said: “With two new directors joining the senior management team and the start of a new year now felt the right time to make changes to the executive board team to match our priorities and ambitions.

“We’re an ambitious council and one that is recognised for good performance including our Customer Service Excellence status.

“But there are many challenges ahead and that’s why I wanted to place a renewed emphasis on customer service to ensure our residents remain at the forefront of everything we do, and we bolster the good work already being done.”