ONE of Blackburn with Darwen Council's deputy leaders has announced she is quitting her post as head of social services.

Coun Sue Reid said her decision was made to help progress her career in local government at Bolton.

The announcement comes weeks after the council's director of social services, Ken Foote, handed in his notice. Council leader Bill Taylor today pledged to replace them both with quality appointments.

Coun Reid, who will continue to be a councillor for the Sunnyhurst ward until next May at least, has been in charge of social services since the council became a unitary authority in 1998.

Ken Foote has been her director of department throughout that time and they have helped turn it into one of the 20 most improved in the country, according to Government statistics.

Today, Coun Reid, who works in regeneration for Bolton Council, said: "I work in local government in Bolton and there comes a time where I have to decide whether I can give so much time being a councillor at the expense of my career."

Coun Reid has been on the council since 1991, first representing Earcroft. She became deputy leader in 2001.

"I feel we have achieved a lot as a social services department and I take pride from that, because it has meant a better service for our users," she said.