WYRE Forest District Council’s cabinet has a new member, its leader has announced.

Conservative councillor Ian Hardiman has been appointed member with responsibility for community well-being, replacing Conservative Tracey Onslow who is due to start her maternity leave.

The rest of the cabinet consists of Conservatives John Campion, Marcus Hart, Nathan Desmond and Julian Phillips.

Mr Campion, district council leader who appoints the cabinet, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ian Hardiman to my cabinet and look forward to working with him and other members in taking forward issues that are so important to our local community.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the valuable contribution that Tracey Onslow has made as a cabinet member over the last four years.

“That contribution includes overseeing the successful implementation of the new cemetery and crematorium and the review of future leisure centre provision.

“I know that everyone at the council will join me in wishing her well for the future.”

Mr Hardiman will take up responsibility for customer services, communication and branding, leisure centres, partnerships, policy and performance and parks and open spaces.

He will also oversee grounds maintenance, the countryside service, community development, culture and art, cemeteries, localism and community safety and emergency planning.

The Habberley and Blakebrook district councillor has represented the ward since 2010 and became a councillor after working in management and consultancy roles in the local carpet industry for 30 years.