New council boss named

Heather McManus, chief executive of South Ribble Council

Heather McManus has vowed to “pour her heart and soul” into the job when she takes over from interim chief executive Jean Hunter, who was drafted in for 12 months to lead a raft of improvements.

As former deputy chief executive at Lancaster City Council, Mrs McManus (pictured) has overseen budgets of £100million while leading a team of more than 1,200 people delivering significant change programmes.

She has also been involved in the development of the Lancashire Economic Partnership and is currently employed as interim consultant at Enfield Council in London.

She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the council in a place brimming with potential and with a great community at its core. “I firmly believe that good housing, leisure, clean streets, coupled with economic activity is essential to our health and wellbeing.

“Exciting times are ahead with the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal bringing thousands of new jobs and homes to the area. I am looking forward to working with officers, members, partners and the community to harness these opportunities and further develop the full potential of South Ribble.”

The council has faced a difficult 18 months where the effectiveness of some of its services have been called into question.

Mrs McManus has pledged to build on foundations started by Mrs Hunter, making sure the council delivers high quality, cost-effective and timely services.

Council Leader, Councillor Peter Mullineaux, welcomed the news.

He said: “I am thrilled that Heather McManus is coming on board and I am very much looking forward to working with her to push forward and look to the future.

“South Ribble is a fantastic borough which is ideally positioned at the heart of Lancashire. It has many natural assets and was recently voted the best place to live in the UK.

“With an impressive set of skills and a wealth of experience, I am sure Mrs McManus will be a dynamic Chief Executive and together we will make sure residents receive the excellent council services they deserve.”