Lichfield council leader to step down

The leader of Lichfield District Council is to step down within weeks.

Top Tory David Smith made the announcement at a council meeting last night, and will not be putting himself forward for the leader's position at the annual meeting of the council on May 12. A successor has yet to be selected.

Addressing members of the authority last night, Councillor Smith set out his achievements since taking up the post in 1999.

He said: "I feel we have achieved so much over the past 11 years. Tourism is now a major part of Lichfield's economy and we are on target to increase annual visitors to more than three million.

"We have led the transformation of the district into a thriving sub-regional centre, attracting around £1 million investment a week into projects like the Combined Forces Medical Centre at Whittington with around 500 jobs.

"And we have opened our state-of-the-art Lichfield Garrick Theatre, which is regarded as a theatre of significant regional importance."

Councillor Smith also highlighted projects to build new housing, improve local parks and promote the district's economy.

But the leader warned there was still challenges facing his successor including the ongoing repairs at Chasewater, the impact of the proposed high speed rail link on the district and protection of green belt areas.

He said: "What we have is a district full of opportunities, including the opportunity to position Lichfield in its rightful place, not just as a leading ecclesiastical city but as a significant sub-regional centre."

Councillor Smith is moving on to new projects and believes it's the right time for him to stand down as leader, but will continue in his role as a district councillor.

He said: "We've got to the stage where I think things which we've worked for for a long time have been brought to a head.

"I will continue to support whoever the new leader is."

A successor will be chosen at a meeting of the ruling Tory group on April 29.