Stephen looking forward to council top job challenge
THE man set to take the reins at Halton Council said he is ‘looking forward to the challenge’.
Stephen Young was officially confirmed last week as the borough’s new chief executive and will replace David Parr later this year.
He is currently the executive director of growth, environment, transport and community services at Lancashire County Council and has previously served in a number of senior local government roles across Greater Manchester.
He will replace Mr Parr, who steps down in March after 18 years in charge.
Mr Young said: “The opportunity to step up to the position of chief executive is something I am really excited about and I am looking forward to the challenge.
“I would really like to thank all those I have worked with over the past three years, especially for their dedication and commitment during the pandemic.
“They have provided first class services and kept the county moving despite very difficult circumstances, and I am very grateful for their contribution, which has been outstanding.”
He joined Lancashire County Council in April 2018 and since arriving had focused on promoting the county as a place to do business and grow its economy. One of his key areas of work was to help create a pipeline of economic development projects for Lancashire which are now worth several billion pounds.
They included projects such as an elite and community cricket facility for Lancashire Cricket at Farington, Eden Project North in Morecambe and the multi-million pound Cyber Task Force, which is set to move to Samlesbury.
Angie Ridgwell, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, said: “I’m really pleased for Stephen and we wish him the very best in his new role.
“I would like to thank him for all his efforts in raising the profile of Lancashire, and helping to bring major projects and funding to the county.
“His role is a key position within the council with a responsibility for areas including highways, economic development, planning, public transport and waste management.
“He has been instrumental in providing the best possible services to the people of Lancashire, and we are sorry to lose such a talented officer.