THE chief executive of Bury Council, which covers Ramsbottom, has resigned to save the council money.

In a shock announcement at a meeting in Bury Town Hall on Wednesday, Tory council leader Bob Bibby revealed that Mark Sanders was stepping down from his £167,000-a-year post to help ease the town’s financial burden.

The UK recession means that Bury Council needs to save £28million over the next four years.

Coun Bibby said: “The chief executive’s view is that this proposal demonstrates leadership from the centre and also busy time for transformation plans to bear fruit.

“He believes that it is only right and proper that the pain should be shared by all concerned and that in practical terms the cash reduction can only be achieved if he steps aside.”

Mr Sanders will remain in his position until a date for his departure is announced after the next budget is set in the new year.

He will leave without severance pay but he will have access to his pension.