PHIL Grove, district and town councillor, is to be Tenbury's new Mayor following the sudden resignation of Maureen Pardoe on health grounds.

At this week's meeting town councillors expressed their sadness at the resignation of the town's long-serving and recently re-elected mayor, who ends her third term after only three months.

Coun Pardoe, who was re-elected in May, has served on the town council since November, 2001, and led the negotiations with Malvern Hills District Council over the future of the town's Market Street toilets. She has also introduced a number of far-reaching reforms which many councillors believe have significantly improved the running of the council.

Coun Grove was unanimously elected to succeed Coun Pardoe at Monday's meeting and takes over the post immediately.

Coun Pardoe told The Advertiser she had been determined to finish her third term, but had reluctantly decided to hand in her resignation last Friday

"It's been a difficult decision but I have been unwell recently, along with my continuously failing eyesight. I have not resigned because of anything that has happened at council but if you are going to be mayor you need to be able to do it 100%."

"It's been a great challenge and an honour. I have enjoyed it and I am sad that it has come to an end. I was determined to finish my year remaining as mayor, but I think I have made the right decision and will continue to do my best for Tenbury."

Coun Phil Grove, who also represents Tenbury on Malvern Hills District Council, paid tribute to his predecessor and said he was looking forward to his term of office.

"Coun Pardoe has been tremendous, and it is with much regret that she decided to resign. I wish her all the best but, most importantly, she will remain with us as a councillor."

He added: "I need time to reflect on the enormous responsibility place upon me by my fellow councillors, but I am delighted to have been elected mayor. I am really looking forward to the challenges before me. My family and I are really happy living in Tenbury and I will do everything I can to improve quality of life.

"I would like to feel that as mayor, or as a councillor, if anyone needs help they are able to approach me. I look forward to listening and speaking to everyone in the future."

Coun Janice Gluyas, Coun Pardoe's predecessor sas mayor said: "I am very sad to see her stand down. I wish her well and she will be missed. She has made some tremendous changes for good on the council. But I'm afraid in this instance she has got to look after Number One. She has made the right decision for her health."

Coun Tony Penn, who has served as deputy mayor to Coun Pardoe, was also saddened to hear the news and paid tribute to her time as mayor.

"She's been absolutely first class," he said. "She's introduced many new approaches to completely reform the way the council works. It's a stressful role and I don't think people realise how much work is involved."

Coun Penn will continue as deputy mayor and Coun Pardoe hopes to attend next month's full council meeting and continue to represent it on outside bodies.