A LONG-SERVING Evesham councillor has been named the new chairman of Wychavon District Council following the authority’s annual meeting.
Coun Frances Smith has taken on the role for the forthcoming year from Pershore councillor Tony Rowley and will be supported by new vice chairman and fellow Evesham councillor Robbie Raphael.
The Little Hampton councillor was proposed for the role by council leader Coun Bradley Thomas who hailed Coun Smith for being ‘a great civic ambassador and someone who brings a level of dignity and decorum to the role which is almost unmatched.’
“Frances has done the role in the past and is familiar with so many organisations and people across the district, across our three towns and the villages as well so I am more than happy to propose her for the role,” Coun Thomas.
Coun Rowley seconded the bid and said he could not think of a ‘safer pair of hands’ to receive the chains of office.
After she was elected unanimously, Coun Thomas was confirmed as council leader and revealed his executive board for the year ahead.
Coun Rowley will return to the top table as portfolio holder for planning, infrastructure and urban design while Droitwich councillor Richard Morris was named deputy leader and in charge of economic growth.
Coun Ron Davis handle resources and investment, Coun Christopher Day will be in charge of housing, health and well-being while Coun Emma Stokes will be portfolio holder for environment, recycling and street scene.
Community engagement, culture and sport will handled by Coun Rob Adams while Evesham councillor Martin King will be responsible for transformation, efficiency and town centre revitalisatio.
“This is set to be another exciting four years for Wychavon with plenty of innovative new projects and investments coming up. We will continue to deliver on our key priorities of people, place and prosperity and be ambitious and efficient in what we deliver,” Coun Thomas said.
