THE man who stepped into the breach at the Bromsgrove Society earlier this year has been confirmed as its new chairman.

Des Clarke of Alvechurch Highway, Lydiate Ash, has been acting chairman since March, when Tim Harris had to step down through ill health.

Now Mr Clarke has taken over the reigns of the heritage and history group, which held its AGM last Thursday night, at Avoncroft's Guesten Hall.

"I want to thank everyone who works so hard for the society, including everyone behind the scenes," he said.

"I will do my best to follow the good footsteps that have been laid down."

At the meeting Ron Skidmore, chairman of the group's landscape committee, highlighted plans to erect signs on the approaches to Bromsgrove, similar to the Jubilee sign on Stratford Road.

Possible sites include Kidderminster Road, Birmingham Road, Stourbridge Road and Worcester Road. The society will hold a social evening in November to raise funds for the second sign.

Mr Skidmore reported on the progress of repairing the impressive flight of steps from St John Street to the parish church. He said it was a difficult issue because nobody was sure who held responsibility for the maintenance of the steps.

The society had received two quotes for the work, one of £37,000 and one of £72,000.

"We need a more comprehensive specification to send out to specialist companies. Once we know how much it would cost, it is possible we could get a grant from the European Union."

After the meeting, former Bromsgrove MP Sir Hal Miller gave a talk about his new role as Deputy Lieutenant for Worcestershire and the history of lieutenancy in the county.

He also revealed he has bequeathed his correspondence from his time as town MP to the Worcester archive.

The society's talks programme will restart in September and the new chairman assured members they would have a strong Bromsgrove theme.