A NEW senior management structure is being put in place at Middlesbrough Council.

The shake-up was unveiled last week by Chief Executive Tony Parkinson and endorsed by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston.

The restructure sees the removal of several posts, and is aimed at sharpening the authority's focus on its strategic priorities.

The streamlining and realignment of departments will deliver annual savings of around £400,000 which will help the council meet medium-term financial challenges and invest in local services.

Key changes include the department of Growth and Place ceasing to exist, with Executive Director Kevin Parkes leaving the council at the end of October.

The council's financial focus will be strengthened through the creation of a Director of Finance post to replace the existing Director of Finance, Governance and Support role.

Some posts within Children's Services will be combined, while Adult Social Care and Public Health will be unaffected by the restructure.

Middlesbrough Council Chief Executive Tony Parkinson said: "These streamlined senior management arrangements fit well with our political structure while ensuring we are best placed to deliver the ambition set out in our Strategic Plan."

Mr Parkinson also paid tribute to Kevin Parkes who joined Middlesbrough Council in 2003.

He said: "Kevin has been a stalwart of the senior manager team for some considerable time and has been central to the regeneration of the town to date.

"He has also been a driving force in many of the regeneration schemes that will come to fruition in the future.

"On a personal and professional level I will miss him greatly as I am sure many others will too."

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: "I know that the public don't always see it, but we're always looking for ways to do a better job for less money.

"It's really easy to criticise councils but Middlesbrough Council is full of people doing their best in really challenging circumstances.

"This is a great piece of work led by Chief Executive Tony Parkinson - it saves money and yes, it does mean more work for some people but they're up for that.

"That sums up the attitude at every level of the Council."