A DIRECTOR at Bolton Council has revealed he will be leaving the authority in three months.

Stephen Young, director of place, announced his departure yesterday after two years in the role as part of a 10-year stint in Bolton.

He will be joining Lancashire County Council as executive director of growth, environment, transport and community services.

Mr Young said: "Bolton will always be incredibly important to me and have a place in my heart.

"While I am sad to leave a town that I have worked in for so many years, I am excited to take up my new role at Lancashire County Council.

"I am leaving feeling incredibly positive about Bolton and its future."

Mr Young was made director of place in 2016 following the merger of the environmental services and development and regeneration department. Recent initiatives he has been a part of include the creation of the council's masterplan detailing the £1billion transformation of the town centre.

Mr Young started his career as a financial officer for Burnley Council in 1995.

He joined Bolton Council originally in 2000 when he worked for the chief executive's department.

He then went to Oldham Council before returning to Bolton in 2008 as an assistant director and was promoted to his current position in 2016.

Cllr Linda Thomas, acting leader, said: “Stephen has done some excellent work during his time with us and I wish him well with his new role.

"Our recruitment process to find a replacement will start now and we will be looking for a strong candidate who can build on the work Stephen has done and continue to drive forward our billion pound town centre masterplan."

Chief executive Tony Oakman said: “I would like to wish Stephen well in his new post. Whoever gets the role will have a good foundation to build on.

"It is an exciting time to be working in Bolton — we have ambitious plans for the town and we will continue to work closely with investors and partners to deliver our vision.”

Mr Young will leave in three months after serving his full notice and the authority has begun its search to find a replacement.

A chief officers’ appointments panel recently approved the start of the recruitment process to hire an interim director.