THE new chief executive of Bury Council has spoken of his pride at taking up the top role.

Mike Owen was officially appointed chief executive last week following five months as its interim head.

The 53-year-old was executive director of resource and regulation before taking charge in March on the retirement of Mike Kelly.

His appointment was made permanent at last Wednesday's full council meeting.

Mr Owen said: “As a long-time resident of the borough, and as a council employee of nearly 30 years, I am immensely proud to take up this appointment.

“Bury is an outstanding place in which to live, work and study, and our council’s staff strive to provide the best possible public services to local residents.

“We face a huge number of challenges in Bury, not least of which is the need to find yet more cuts from our budget, but I will be doing my very best to make sure that Bury remains a great place in which to live, work and study.

“Another major challenge will be making sure we are fully ready for ‘Devo Manc’, as unprecedented powers and spending are handed to the city region, and I’m determined to play a leading role in making sure that this works for the benefit of Bury people and those across Greater Manchester.”

Mr Owen has been with Bury Council since 1986, starting as deputy group accountant. He also served as chief financial services officer on returning from a one-year stint at Oldham Council in 1999 where he was deputy treasurer.

He is the current president of Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), the world's top public sector finance organisation.

Cllr Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “Mike has done a fantastic job so far and I’m sure he will continue to do so as our new chief executive.

“I look forward to working closely with him in the months and years to come.”