A COUNCIL finance chief who has overseen £153million of spending cuts is to retire.

Don McLure, who has been Durham County Council’s corporate director of resources since October 2010, will retire at the end of May.

He follows George Garlick, who retired as the council’s chief executive in January.

Mr McLure previously worked for Gateshead and Derby councils.

Council leader Simon Henig thanked him for his dedication and expertise during a period of unprecedented financial cuts in local government and wished him well for a “well-earned” retirement.

“To have managed £153million in savings is an unenviable task but Don has worked with the whole corporate management team and elected members to ensure we took a considered and closely managed approach," he said.

Mr McLure said: “I am proud to have been part of the strong team who have steered Durham through such an enormously difficult time.

“Despite the very serious financial times we continue to face I believe we have rightfully established ourselves as a modern forward-thinking council and I am absolutely sure Durham will continue to find new and innovative ways to provide the best possible services to residents looking ahead.”

New chief executive Terry Collins said the council’s senior management structure was being reviewed “in the light of the challenges we face”.