PENDLE Council's new director of place is due to take up his role in February after his appointment was approved by the full council.

Phillip Spurr is currently programme director for place and resources at Ryedale District Council, which will cease to exist in April next year following local government reorganisation in North Yorkshire. He has a wealth of relevant experience having managed the majority of services his new role will cover.

He said: “I am delighted and extremely proud to be joining Pendle Borough Council after Christmas. Pendle is a place of huge opportunities and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with colleagues, councillors and everyone across the borough to deliver the council’s ambitious plans for the future.”

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “Councillors were very impressed with Phillip’s range of knowledge and unanimously voted to appoint him.”

Rose Rouse, Chief Executive of Pendle Borough Council added: “This is a hugely important role for the council and we’re looking forward to welcoming Phillip when he joins us in early 2023.

“This is a really exciting time for the council with a number of fantastic projects and developments getting underway.”