A NEW chief executive is set to take over Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) today (February 1).

Robert Brown (known as Bob Brown) has worked at the council since 2001, and has been solicitor to the council, corporate director and strategic director.

He is taking over from Allison Griffin, who announced her retirement last October after 30 years.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be the chief executive for SDC," said Mr Brown.

"I’d like to thank the outgoing chief executive for all she has achieved and am looking forward to building on her success.

"These are challenging times, but know I know that the staff and members of Sedgemoor will continue to deliver first class services to our residents.”

Mr Brown has a master's in public law from Bristol university, and had more than 25 years' experience in local Government.

At SDC Mr Brown worked closely with Homes in Sedgemoor to improve housing services. He is currently leading on Sedgemoor’s ambitious Customer Access Transformation Programme.

He has given expert evidence to two parliamentary select committees on the impact of new nuclear on local communities, as well as campaigning for community benefit for the communities hosting Hinkley Point C.