MALVERN Hills District Council’s outgoing leader Phil Grove says he has no regrets about his three-year tenure in post.

He will formally step down from the post next week, but continues to act as a district councillor.

Councillor Grove, who represents the Tenbury ward, says his leadership covered a difficult time for the council with Government-imposed cuts on all council budgets.

“I took over in June 2009, and in 2010 the government gave us a 27 per cent reduction in grant, which brought its own challenges.

“I was determined to protect front-line services, and I'm glad to say that we've managed to do this.”

He said he has also started a strategic review of all the district council functions, with councils accepting more cuts are likely.

“We have to be prepared for further reductions in our grant from central government.

“That’s why we have to look critically at everything we do, again with the aim of protecting front-line services.”

The review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) – the blueprint to deliver thousands of new homes across the district over the next generation – is another subject which continues to loom large in the council’s future, he said.

At a meeting of the council’s Conservative group, Coun David Hughes, who represents the Leigh and Alfrick ward, was elected group leader, and Paul Swinburn deputy leader.

They will be presented to MHDC’s annual meeting on Tuesday as candidates for council leader and deputy. Coun Hughes said one of the biggest issues facing the council is the impact of the Localism Bill.

MHDC is preparing to work closely with parish and town councils, to which many powers are set to be devolved.

He also prioritised economic development saying: “We have to make sure that the district is a place that offers opportunities for young and old people alike, a place where there are employment opportunities so people aren’t forced to move away.”