A senior county council officer has announced that he is leaving his job for a new position at Halton Borough Council.

Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport and Community Services Stephen Young was confirmed as Halton’s Chief Executive at a meeting of its full council last night (Wednesday 26 January).

After joining Lancashire County Council in April 2018, Mr Young has promoted the county as a place for business, growing the county’s economy while improving services, such as highways and waste recycling.

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Mr Young said: “I will obviously be very sad to move on, but I am proud of all I have achieved while working for the authority.

“The opportunity to step up to the position of the chief executive is something I am really excited about, and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“I would really like to thank all those I have worked with over the past three years, especially for their dedication and commitment during the pandemic.

“They have provided first-class services and kept the county moving despite very difficult circumstances, and I am very grateful for their contribution, which has been outstanding.”

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One of his areas of focus was helping create a pipeline of economic development projects for Lancashire – now worth several billion pounds. Mr Young was heavily involved in the City Deal delivery across Preston and South Ribble.

They include projects such as an elite and community cricket facility for Lancashire Cricket at Farington, Eden Project North in Morecambe and the multi-million-pound Cyber Task Force, set to move to Samlesbury.

Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, said: “I’m really pleased for Stephen, and we wish him the very best in his new role.

“I would like to thank him for all his efforts in raising the profile of Lancashire and helping to bring major projects and funding to the county.

“His role is a key position within the council, with responsibility for areas including highways, economic development, planning, public transport and waste management.”

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Ridgwell said he was instrumental in providing services to the people of Lancashire, and the council are sorry to lose such a talented officer.

The Chief Executive said he is a great example of how Lancashire invests in its people and makes it possible for them to move on to more significant challenges thanks to the expertise and skills gained at the council.

The recruitment process for Mr Young’s successor will launch shortly.

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