by Sarah Mawhinney

A NEW chairman has taken over the reins at Bromsgrove District Council.

Stoke Heath councillor Craig Lanham (Con) was handed the chains of office from retiring chairman Jill Dyer (Con-Drakes Cross and Walkers Heath) at a ceremony held at the Council House earlier this month.

His nomination was proposed by leader Roger Hollingworth (Con-Alvechurch) and seconded by Dennis Norton (Con-St Johns).

Cllr Hollingworth said that in the time he had known Cllr Lanham he had found him fair minded, sensitive and courteous.

He had put himself forward to help others and put his heart and soul into the district council.

Cllr Hollingworth added: "He is respected at many levels."

Backing the nomination Cllr Norton said he met Cllr Lanham in 1999 when he was seeking election for the council.

He said he was respected for his professionalism, integrity and good nature and his financial experience was invaluable when Cllr Norton was leader.

Cllr Norton added: "He will be an excellent chairman and a credit to the council."

On his appointment Cllr Lanham thanked fellow members for their words of encouragement and said he was really looking forward to representing Bromsgrove over the next 12 months. He also thanked Cllr Dyer for her previous 12 months service and said she had done a superb job and would be a hard act to follow.

Cllr Janice Boswell (Con-Furlongs) was voted as vice chairman, the other nomination was for Cllr Dave McGrath (Ind-Beacon).

In nominating her Cllr June Griffiths (Con-Alvechurch) said many saw Cllr Boswell as "one of the kindest and most considerate of ladies" and there was little that proved too much for her.

Seconding the nomination Cllr Margaret Sherrey (Con-Furlongs) said over the years that she had known Cllr Boswell she had always been involved in fundraising and helping those less fortunate in life.

She added: "She will be a great support to the chairman."