A COUNCIL chief has retired after nearly 20 years.

Mike Stelfox, the borough’s development control unit manager, has attended his last planning committee meeting.

He has worked in the council’s planning department since 1989, having moved from Halton (Runcorn & Widnes) Borough Council.

Planning chairman, Cllr Mark Henesy, thanked him for his “loyal service to the council and the committee” and wished him a long and happy retirement.

Cllr Henesy added that Iwan Hughes, formerly senior planning officer, had been promoted to fill the post.