Former mayor in district council chair

Coun Richard Morris, the new chairman of Wychavon district council. (s)

A RESPECTED former mayor of Droitwich has been named as the new chairman of Wychavon district council following a meeting on Tuesday (May 15).

Coun Richard Morris was elected unopposed to the prestigious honour which has been previously held by fellow Spa councillors Pam Davey, Mike Barratt and the late Don Lawley.

The Conservative councillor represents Droitwich South-East on the district council and the Copcut ward on Droitwich Spa Town Council.

Coun Morris was the mayor of Droitwich from 2005/6 and again from 2007/8 where he played his part in ensuring the town’s High Street recovered from the devastating floods which forced the closure of a number of businesses.

As well as helping to establish fighting funds to help local traders recover from the damage caused by the flooding, Coun Morris also welcomed HRH the Earl of Wessex to the town just months after the devastation.

HRH saw the damage caused by the flooding but also the resilience of local businesses to bounce back from the tragedy and re-open their doors to customers.

In recent years, Coun Morris has established the successful ‘Start All Over Again’ monthly support group which offers advice and support to professionals who have been made redundant during the economic downturn.

After his election, Coun Morris was was presented with his chain of office by outgoing chairman Coun Tony Miller who represents Lovett and North Claines on the authority.

Coun Morris said: “Thank you all for your support, it really is a privilege to take on the Chairman of Wychavon role.

“We have a leading district council and the ethos of Team Wychavon fits so well with the Olympics year when we will see

many great efforts of individuals and teams and the values of participation, respect, friendship and excellence,” he added.

Coun Morris’s chosen charities for his year in office will be all cadet units (Air, Army and Sea) across Wychavon, Young Carers and St. Richard’s Hospice.

Reflecting on his time in office, Coun Miller said: “It has been a challenging 12 months but very rewarding and worthwhile. I would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers that I have met and the time that they give.

“Thank you to those who have given me guidance throughout the year and thank you to everyone for their kind support and for making the job easier than it could have been,” he added.

Coun Gerry O’Donnell was elected as vice-chairman for the year at the meeting.

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