The new chair of Lancashire County Council is seeking to promote local industry and is keen for residents to discover more about the county during 2021.

County Councillor Barrie Yates, who lives in Higher Walton and represents South Ribble East, began his year in office last month.

The Preston-born former motor mechanic and quality engineer, who worked at Bosal UK, is keen to help promote jobs and economic growth. A keen historian, Councillor Yates also wants to encourage people to find out more about Lancashire and its hidden secrets.

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He said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be elected by my fellow councillors as Chair of Lancashire County Council.

“I will do my best to repay their trust in me and will work with all councillors as an independent Chair for the benefit of everyone who lives in our county.”

Councillor Yates, who lives with his wife Kathleen and has two children, Louise and Mark, has been a county councillor for eight years and has served on South Ribble Borough Council for 30 years.

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He said: “I am looking forward to promoting industry, growth and jobs. I also want to encourage people to find out about the abundance of history and hidden secrets in our county.

“Our museums and archives are great places for people to go and find out more, and I want to promote facilities like these and encourage tourism in our county during my time in office.”

Aside from politics, County Councillor Yates’ hobbies include bowling, sightseeing and history.

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