THE new boss of Chester-le-Street District Council is due to take up his post on Tuesday.

Roy Templeman's appointment as chief executive was ratified this week by the full council.

He has been in local government for 28 years, and has extensive experience at a senior level, both in Coventry and in York, where he is corporate director of the environment and development services.

Mr Templeman said: "There are many challenges to be tackled, but I see them as opportunities to improve service delivery to benefit the residents and tenants in Chester-le-Street.

"The council is already making significant improvements and has a vision and commitment to work with others to respond to the needs and aspirations of our community and improve the quality of public services.''

Councillor Linda Ebbatson, the council's Labour leader, said: "We needed to recruit an outstanding individual, someone of a high calibre and considerable management experience, someone with the capability to meet the challenges currently facing the council and more."