A NATIVE Wiganer has been appointed the borough's new deputy director of housing.

Former Wigan Grammar School and Wigan College of Technology student, Tony Gerrard, is currently Oldham Council's assistant director of housing with responsibility for care and support services.

He has previously worked for Bolton and Manchester City Councils.

He succeeds Gill Haigh who has left to become head of housing at Broadacres Housing Association in North Yorkshire.