The chief executive of West Wiltshire DC, which is facing abolition under reorganisation, has resigned for a new post at another local authority. Andrew Pate said he would be taking up the role of strategic director at Bath and North East Somerset Council in April. West Wiltshire DC will cease to exist in April 2009, when a new unitary authority is created for the whole of Wiltshire. ‘The job in Bath and North East Somerset is a good step forward for me,' said Mr Pate. ‘There are exciting things to do there.' Ellesmere Port and Neston BC has named the three councillors who will represent the borough on the joint committee to transfer to the new west Cheshire unitary. Cllrs Justin Madders, Mark Henesy and Myles Hogg will be joining members from Vale Royal BC, Chester City Council and Cheshire CC on the committee. Bedfordshire CC has launched a petition encouraging residents to save council services. The council's petition aims to garner support for a single, county-wide unitary authority, and is available at www.bedfordshire.gov.uk.
