VALE Royal Borough Council has appointed its new Chief Executive.

John William Page, currently the council's Director of Corporate Services, will take over from Bill Woods, who is set to retire at the end of July.

Mr Page, 54, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the councillors have shown their confidence in me by asking me to take on the position.

"It is going to be a challenging and extremely exciting time, both for councillors and staff, as a new era starts."

Mr Page will oversee the council's transition to the new 'cabinet' system after the May 6 elections.

He was educated at Sandbach Secondary Modern School and Stoke College of Further Education. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, and has served on Crewe Borough Council, and the former Winsford Urban District Council.

Clr Arthur Neil, leader of the council, said: "We are extremely fortunate to have a person with John Page's capabilities to take over from Bill Woods. John and his wife Mo live in Crewe and have two daughters, Heidi and Lisa.

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