NEW Malvern mayor Julian l'Anson wants to foster a more optimistic outlook about the town during his year in office.

Cllr l'Anson, who represents the Chase ward, was elected to the post at Tuesday's annual meeting of Malvern Town Council by 12 votes to four, beating Pickersleigh councillor Pat Mewton.

Cllr l'Anson said: "There are people who say that Malvern is on a downward slope, that it is dying, and I really don't recognise it as the town I know.

"We've got two railway stations, a splendid theatre offering London-quality productions, excellent education with two very good comprehensive schools, and the wonderful hills.

"We've got a lot of independent shops and businesses, but Malvern also attracts larger businesses such as Ask and Costa Coffee, and people like that don't open up without doing their homework. We have a lot to be proud of in Malvern and if I could encourage a more optimistic outlook about the town, I would regard that as an achievement."