THE new leader of Malvern Hills District Council says he is putting residents at the heart of a major programme of change at the council.

Earlier this month the Liberal Democrats, led by Councillor Tom Wells, sent political tremors through the Malvern Hills when they swept to power in the local government elections.

Now, with cross-party support, the new administration has launched PRIDE - performance, respect, improvement, determination and excellence - an initiative aimed at improving the level and quality of services the council provides.

"This will be a challenging task for the organisation," said Coun Wells.

"But it is absolutely essential if this council is to meet the needs and expectations of the community it serves."

"It has the full support and commitment of the senior councillors from all parties," he added.

The council's chief executive, Chris Bocock, said that significant improvements in performance had already been made over the past 12 months.

But he said it was now time to take a further step forward.

"We need a fundamental review of how we do things and how we can achieve better and more innovative ways of working," he said.

The process will involve a period of consultation with the public and other stakeholders.

Coun Wells is also hoping to break down political divides among elected council members.

"I'm working very hard to achieve a consensual style of politics - grown up local government," he said.

"I will do my utmost to put people before party politics and work across the political divide and put to good use the wealth of experience that our members have."

Coun Wells also promised to keep listening to local residents.

"Too often councils become detached, but we will continue to listen and we are keen to consult on major issues affecting the district at the earliest possible moment," he said.