The new Mayor of Ledbury, Keith Francis, has highlighted a number of issues that he wishes to tackle for the town in his year ahead.

Speaking just after his election last week, Coun Francis said that one matter to be resolved was what should be done about changes to the Market House, in the light of the incoming disabled access regulations.

"We should not be rushed into making a decision," he said.

Other issues mentioned in his speech included the need to find a dedicated coach parking area for Ledbury and to improve the public toilets in Bye Street, bearing in mind the town's reliance on tourism.

Coun Francis, of Albert Road, also expressed concern about the spate of applications for the development of infill sites within the heart of the town.

He said: "We must resist this increasing piecemeal encroachment."

The mayor vowed to improve the facilities on the Recreation Ground and to ensure that young people feel that they are a vital and essential part of the democratic process.

His chosen mayoral charity is the Herefordshire branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and local youth sport clubs.

The new mayoress is Pam Juckes, whose family has lived in Ledbury for generations. The deputy mayor is Coun Jayne Roberts, wife of Coun Noel Roberts, who was mayor in 2002/2003.