IT was all change at Redditch Borough Council’s Annual General Meeting, held earlier this week, where a new mayor was appointed and portfolio holders chosen.

Councillor Pattie Hill has taken over from Councillor Pat Witherspoon as the new mayor of Redditch for 2015/16.

Councillor Joe Baker has taken on the role of deputy mayor.

Cllr Hill has chosen Redditch First Responders, Redditch Cat Rescue and Touchstones as her charities for this year.

Cllr Witherspoon managed to raise more than £7,000 during her time as mayor of which £3,000 has been given to the Redditch Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) and £3,000 to Redditch Dementia Friends.

The remaining money has been given to Charlotte and Craig’s Saving Hearts Foundation as Cllr Witherspoon raised much more than she originally expected.

The council meeting also saw seven portfolio holders chosen.

Councillor Bill Hartnett was chosen as Community Leadership and Partnerships (including voluntary Sector and Health Services).

Councillor Debbie Taylor was chosen as Local Environment, Councillor John Fisher was chosen as Corporate Management (finance), Councillor Greg Chance as Planning, Regeneration, Economic Development and Transport, Councillor Yvonne Smith as Community Safety and Regulatory Services, Councillor Mark Shurmer was chosen as Housing and Cllr Pat Witherspoon as Leisure and Tourism.