TENBURY has marked up a political double first.

At a meeting of Malvern Hill’s District Council, two men from the town were elected to the top posts on the authority.

Councillor Phil Grove, who represents the town, was elected as the new leader of the council and Councillor Reg Farmer was chosen as its chairman.

His appointment as leader marks another step in the political rise of Coun Grove, who was first elected to the district council in 2003.

Coun Grove is also a Tenbur y town councillor and was Mayor in 2007. He stepped down from the town council two years ago after being appointed to the economic development portfolio on the district council.

He is a retired former policemen and restaurateur, who also tried unsuccessfully for election to Worcester shire County Council in the recent poll.

“It is a huge privilege to lead the district council at a time of huge challenge,” said Coun Grove.

He said that the two great priorities facing the district was the special strategy that envisages the building of thousands of new homes in the coming years and the challenge of meeting tough waste disposal and recycling targets.

“I am determined that we will provide our ratepayers with value for money and offer value for money,” Coun Grove said.

“There are huge challenges, including the costs of free bus travel. We have to recognise that the economic climate is very tough and that people are going through a tough time and this has to be reflected in the way that the council manages its budget.”

But Coun Grove said he wanted to see the district council continuing to support activities in Tenbury.

“Speaking to businesses and individuals in Tenbury, it is clear that times remain hard. At the present time I can see no sign of economic green shoots and think it will be the end of this year or early 2010 at the earliest before things start to get better.”