Senior officer to step down

Martin Hamilton will leave his position as chief executive at the end of March 2024, having played a leading role in reorganising the council internally, reducing running costs and overseeing thousands of hours' work on Walleys Quarry, including the successful award of an abatement notice for public nuisance.

Martin Hamilton said: “Walleys Quarry alone would be a major challenge for any organisation of our size, and I am proud of how the council has worked, within the limited powers it has, to deal with the site operator and other agencies.

“At the same time we have attracted millions of pounds' worth of investment for Newcastle and Kidsgrove, which will create jobs, redevelop Knutton and change the face of our town centres.

“None of this could be achieved without the efforts of hard-working colleagues, who have great pride in their work for our communities.”

A recent independent inspection of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council by the Local Government Association praised the authority's strong leadership, financial stability and ability to attract 'enviable' amounts of government funding.

The report also highlighted the council's ability to work jointly to deliver good services, a rigorous savings programme and staff's pride in the borough.

Martin joined the borough council in 2019 from Dorset Councils Partnership. Now he intends to take a short sabbatical before looking for a new challenge.

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “Martin has never been afraid of rolling up his sleeves and doing what needs to be done and the council has benefited from his hard work, experience and astute leadership.

“On behalf of colleagues and residents I thank him for all his efforts to run services efficiently and helping to make the Borough a better place for our residents.”

The recruitment process for the next chief executive will begin in due course.