BOSSES in the new Cheshire West and Chester Council are expected to be at their desks in the soon.
The council takes over on April 1 when Cheshire County Council, Chester City Council and Ellesmere Port and Neston and Vale Royal borough councils are abolished.
“Our structure is being built with more and more names against it,” said the fledgling council’s Conservative leader, Cllr Mike Jones.
“The directors will all be starting their new roles in the new year and our heads of service are virtually all appointed, with many starting in January.
“The fourth and fifth tier management structures are agreed and appointments will be made during the next three months.
“I know this is a very difficult time for employees affected by this reorganisation and I can appreciate that many are worried by the uncertainty they face.”
Joining chief executive Steve Robinson from Stoke-on-Trent City Council are Charlie Seward, director of regeneration and culture (Chester City Council), Ian Whitehead, adult social care and health (North Tyneside Council), Steve Kent, environment (Cheshire County Council), John Stephens, children’s and young people’s services (Salford City Council), Julie Gill, resources (Stoke-on-Trent City Council) and Mike Lewis, area and community services (Warrington Borough Council).
Major issues being considered by the council include the proposed Mersey Gateway crossing by Runcorn and Widnes.
“Having the bridge in place will be an important element for the economic growth of Cheshire West and Chester, but we’ve expressed concern to Halton Borough Council about residents on low pay having to pay tolls on the existing bridge when travelling to work,” revealed Cllr Jones.
