THERE were more top level changes in the ruling Labour group at Blackpool council as a new deputy leader was announced.

Coun Eddie Collett was chosen as deputy leader, replacing Coun Roy Fisher, who earlier had been named Labour leader.

Coun Collett, aged 44, is married with two children. He has represented Alexandra Ward since 1991 and has been executive committee member for education since 1998. He said that he was delighted to have been appointed as deputy leader.

"I'm very pleased that my colleagues have seen fit to endorse me as the deputy leader. Myself and Roy have a lot in common and share similar interests. We are similar ages and both have engineering backgrounds. We should work very well together.

"I would like to keep the education porfolio. I think it would make an important statement about the value of education in Blackpool. But of course it's a decision for Roy to make when he selects his cabinet in October."

Coun Collett's appointment as Labour's deputy leader continues the pattern of change in the top positions at the town hall.

Council chief executive Graham Essex-Crosby last week announced his plans to resign in March 2002 after almost 30 years at the town hall.

And a totally new face will soon be seen in the council chamber when a by-election is held to elect a councillor in Brunswick Ward following the death of Coun George Bancroft -- who was also the council leader -- in July.

Voters in the central Blackpool ward of Brunswick will go to the polls on September 13 to elect a new councillor.

All of the town's 22 wards are each represented by two councillors but the death of Coun Bancroft -- who was elected to the ward in 1987 -- left a vacancy in Brunswick Ward. Labour councillor Coun Maureen Cresswell is the ward's current standing representative.

Nomination papers for candidates to stand in the by-election are available from the Electoral Services Office on the first floor of the Municipal Buildings. They must be returned by noon on August 16.

The two polling stations will be at St Thomas' Parish Centre in Caunce Street and the Parish Committee Room at St Kentigern's School complex on Newton Drive. Polling stations will be open from 8am to 9pm.

Postal votes are available. Any amendments to existing postal or proxy votes must be made by 5pm on August 29. The closing date for new applications for postal or proxy voting is 5pm on September 5.

For more information on the by-election or application forms for postal or proxy votes call the Elections Office on 01253 477160.