COUNCILLORS have taken the first steps towards appointing a new shared chief executive for South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council.

Current chief executive David Incoll, who has held the shared role for three years, is due to retire in December. Prior to his shared appointment, Mr Incoll was chief executive at West Devon from 1997.

The vacancy is due to be advertised nationally within the next month and council leaders from both authorities have appointed Tribal recruitment consultants to assist them in selecting a new incumbent.

Both councils say they are are committed to continuing to develop and share services which to date has saved council taxpayers more than £1-million.

Cllr James McInnes, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'With the help of Tribal, we will be trawling the country to find the best person for the job. It's an exciting time for us.'

Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council, added: 'Both councils are high performing authorities in their own right and this appointment is crucial to help us maintain and improve our excellent services to the public, whilst meeting the financial challenges ahead.'