New county roads chief welcomes ‘ challenges’

A COUNCIL director in charge of managing North Yorkshire’s thousands of miles of highways says he is “looking forward to encountering a brand new set of challenges in the most beautiful county in the country”.

Karl Battersby has taken over the position of Corporate Director of Business and Environmental Services from David Bowe at North Yorkshire County Council.

He will take on responsibilities including managing North Yorkshire’s 5,350 miles of highways, the disposal of more than 300,000 tonnes of waste per year and the county’s trading standards team.

Mr Battersby was the Strategic Director for Economy and Infrastructure at Kirklees Council from 2018. The post has responsibility for all front line environmental services, planning, regeneration and development functions, the Capital programme and all council land and property assets.

“I’m looking forward to encountering a brand new set of challenges in the most beautiful county in the country,” he said.

“I want to get a really good feel for the place. I’ve got a local background because I was born in Bradford, so I have a good knowledge of the geography.”

He said: “I’m joining the county council in what are challenging and unprecedented times. However, we have an excellent team going all- out to support our residents, businesses and communities.

“Key priorities are supporting business growth, ensuring that we continue to improve the condition of the county’s extensive highways network, and deliver successful projects despite inevitable budget pressures.”

He has taken over from David Bowe, who has retired after a decade in the post. North Yorkshire County Council’s Chief Executive Richard Flinton said: “I am extremely grateful to David Bowe for his professionalism and astute leadership.”