LANCASHIRE County Council has appointed a new director of environment and planning following his predecessor's retirement after more than three decades of working for the giant authority.

Jonathan Edwards take over the job from Andrew Mullaney, who is leaving after more than 34 years' service with the county council which supplies key services 12 districts including Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

He is expected to join us in November and is currently working as director of housing and deputy chief executive at the government-owned Salix Finance.

In his current role, Mr Edward is responsible for shaping and delivering policy on behalf of the Department of Energy, Security and Net Zero.

He previously served as a director at St Helens Borough Council.

Mr Edwards said: "“I am excited to be joining the team in November and look forward to working with colleagues across the council in the months ahead. It feels like a great time to be joining the team.

"I am proud to be given the opportunity to become the new director of environment and planning and hope to bring energy, ideas and a real focus on delivery for our residents and partners.”

Phil Green - the county council's executive director of growth, environment and transport - said: "This is an incredibly important role at a crucial time in Lancashire's history.

"Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.

"We are of course losing a great public servant in Andrew Mullaney, who will be greatly dearly missed by colleagues, and we wish him all the best in his retirement."