TRAFFORD Council has appointed a new chief executive.

Janet Callender, the former chief executive at neighbouring Tameside Council, takes over at the helm of the local authority.During her five years at Tameside Council the authority has grown from strength to strength, becoming one of the highest performing councils in the country.

She was awarded an OBE last year for her services to local government. She has also been rated among the top 30 most influential figures in local government and sits on a number of Government 'think tanks'.

Trafford Council's leader, Cllr Matt Colledge, said of the appointment: "I am delighted to have Janet on board. She is an experienced and enthusiastic chief executive who is joining Trafford at a critical time.

"We anticipate large reductions in central Government funding over the coming years but our aspiration is to continue to deliver excellent services for residents and businesses across the borough.

To achieve this we have set an ambitious agenda of Transformation, and I have no doubt that Janet will lead from the front."

Janet said: “I feel proud and privileged to have been appointed as Trafford’s chief executive.

"During the selection process I was very impressed by the collective determination of councillors, staff and partners to deliver high quality services and value for money.

“As we embark on the delivery of our exciting transformation agenda, my job is to build on the good work so far.

"I firmly believe Trafford is well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and that we should approach the future with confidence.”

She is expected to take up her post in early September.