A NEW head of housing services has been appointed for Middlesbrough Borough Council.

Bill Pearch, 51, is the head of strategic initiatives at Ashford Borough Council, in Kent, and takes up his role next month.

In Middlesbrough, Mr Pearch will be responsible for about 14,000 council properties, and ensuring effective consultation and liaison with tenants and partner agencies.

He said: "Middlesbrough is a really vibrant place with lots of opportunities going for the town. My aim is to improve service for tenants. One of our greatest challenges is to create stable and sustainable communities. We can only do that working with tenants, other council services, the police and other public and private agencies.

"There is already a tremendous amount of goodwill and determination in Middlesbough and my aim is to build on that success.

"One issue of great importance for all councils at the moment is the future management of council housing.

"We have to examine all the options with tenants and get the right answer for Middlesbrough. I look forward to meeting tenants and hearing their views."

Commissioner for regeneration, Councillor John Jones, said: "We welcome Bill to Middlesbrough council at a time of great changes in housing services. He brings a wealth of experience gained across the country and we look forward to his contribution here."