Malvern Hills District Council has appointed new member champions to promote and support various interests of the community.

The roles will focus on four themes including heritage, rural, young people and the armed forces.

The champions will make contact with local organisations, familiarise themselves with the needs of the relevant section of the community, act as advocates on their behalf and feedback the decisions of the council.

The new Young Person’s Champion is Cllr Caroline Palethorpe. She will work closely with the schools in the district to improve the council’s engagement with young people, consulting them on key priorities.

The Rural Champion is Cllr Barbara Williams. She’ll be responsible for raising and maintaining the profile of the district’s rural areas, drawing the council’s attention to rural issues and working with the council to improve the service delivered to rural areas.

The Armed Forces Champion is Cllr Martin Allen. He will work with the countywide Covenant Working Group and support the needs of service veterans and families in the district.

The Heritage Champion is Cllr Tony Penn. He’ll look at boosting the profile of the built historic and natural environment and provide a focus for heritage issues across the council.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The member champion roles are a positive way for Malvern Hills District Council to learn of the issues and needs of various sections of our communities. Our champions will be able to enhance the councils’ understanding of needs and to promote communication leading to positive change. The councillors have been chosen for their enthusiasm and knowledge in the areas they will represent.”

The member champions will not receive a budget or special responsibility allowance and will not have any decision-making capabilities but will publish an annual report each year. The roles will run until May 2023, with a review carried out in 2021.

READ MORE: Man fined £400 for dumping rubbish in a Malvern alleyway