RYEDALE District Council has a new chairman following an official handover of the role at a meeting yesterday.  

Cllr Michael Cleary has taken over the role from Cllr William Oxley, who’s been in the position for the past twelve months.

Speaking of his year in office, Cllr Oxley, said: “It’s been a huge privilege to be able to serve the council and our district in this way over the past twelve months.

"Over recent months we’ve taken some big decisions for our area, including our plans to invest in a new community hub for the district and plans to work more closely with the county council.

"I’m proud to have played a role in these developments.”

New chairman Cllr Cleary added: “There’s a lot happening at the moment for the council and the district.

"In my new role as chairman I’m looking forward to being able to support these developments, both in terms of my role at the council but also in terms of my role in representing the district elsewhere too.”

For the District Council, the role of the chairman is to preside over Full Council meetings, where key decisions of the authority are made by all councillors.

The Chairman also represents the council at civic events, both within the district and elsewhere.

During his year in office, Cllr Cleary will be supporting two charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Ryedale Special Families.

The handover of the chains of office took place at the Annual Council meeting yesterday.

For a full report of the meeting, see the Gazette & Herald on Wednesday.