TWO of the key directors' posts at Wear Valley District Council have been filled as part of a shake-up of services.

Directors Paul Dobson and Bob Hope will keep key positions within the authority.

The council is streamlining eight departments into four as it carries out a review of all its operations.

Mr Dobson, director of leisure and marketing, will head the community services department. Mr Hope, director of planning, will become director of regeneration.

Two of the four posts, central resources and housing, have yet to be filled and are being advertised.

A chief executive post will be created, replacing the former executive director's job done by Carol Hughes, who retired on ill health grounds after being on sick leave since last April.

A presentation was made to her on Wednesday to mark her years of service.

The authority is one of many in the country which is considering adopting a cabinet-style system. As a shire district with less than 85,000 residents, the council can opt to keep its committee system.

Council chiefs have promised to consult the public before any decision is made