THERE has been a change at the head of Malvern Hills District Council, with a new chairman taking the reins. Cllr Dean Clarke stepped down at the annual meeting of the council this week, with former Mayor of Malvern Cllr Cynthia Palmer being chosen in his place. In his outgoing remarks, Cllr Clarke thanked the leaders of the council’s groups, the officers and individual councillors for their help over his two years in the role. He also thanked his wife Pat for her support throughout. Nominating Cllr Palmer for the role, Cllr Mick Davies said: “She comes with a fresh and independent view of our venerable organisation and I know she has a heart and soul she will devote to this job.”