A TOP council officer has announced he is taking early retirement after 12 years with the Hyndburn authority.

Director of Community Services Edgar Bignell, 50, will leave at the end of September. He lives with his wife and two children in the Ribble Valley and has worked in local government for 32 years.

Mr Bignell said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time with the authority and it will be quite a wrench to leave. It has been a very demanding role but my overriding feeling is that I have had a very good 12 years."

His departure comes as the authority faces the need to make major savings to balance the books, including the prospect of compulsory redundancies.

Mr Bignell said: "Clearly the council is examining the resources it has available and it is highly likely we are going to lose a significant number of staff to live within our means.

"With that in mind it seemed appropriate to put myself forward for early retirement."

Chief executive Mike Chambers and council leader George Slynn paid tribute to Mr Bignell's commitment, skill and achievements.

Mr Chambers said: "To hold a chief officer position for 12 years is in itself a feat requiring considerable stamina and expertise.

"The director of community services is a difficult position, taking ultimate reponsibility for meeting the needs of 4,000 council tenants and some of the worst private sector housing in England."

Mr Bignell and his wife Mellonie have two children, Matthew, 17, and Elizabeth, 16, both pupils at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

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