A NEW-STYLE management structure has been agreed by Hyndburn Council to save cash and take the borough into the 21st century.

The revised structure, focusing on co-ordinating working across the authority, has been developed following consultation with staff and trade unions.

The re-distribution of services into a reduced number of departments was outlined by chief executive Mike Chambers at a special policy and resources committee this week.

From October there will be four council departments instead of five.

These will be the chief executive's department, finance, operational services and an environment and regeneration section.

Nigel Rix, currently director of development services, will be director of regeneration.

Community services director Edgar Bignell is taking early retirement at the end of September.

Staffing requirements for each of the four departments are now being looked at.

Mr Chambers said: "The revised structure is the result of a very positive consultation period, during which staff and unions submitted their ideas on the shape of the new departmental structure.

"The new grouping of services between four departments and the revised structure will enable staff to develop a broad seamless approach to promoting the authority's corporate vision, working across departments to ensure the best possible service for the people of Hyndburn."

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