Braintree Council has appointed its chief executive eight months after Nicola Beach left. 

Andy Wright, who was acting chief executive since June, was appointed to the role at a full council meeting last night. 

Mr Wright has worked for Braintree Council for five years as director of waste and recycling, health and wellbeing, building control, environmental protection, leisure and heritage services, community services, economic development and emergency planning.

Mr Wright joined the council having previously worked for a number of district councils around the country specialising in senior leisure, community and economic development roles.

Mr Wright will also take on the Council’s statutory roles of electoral registration and local government returning officer.

He said: "In my role as chief executive I will be focused on delivering the priorities of the council and achieve the best outcomes on behalf of our residents, on a range of issues such as economic growth, health, housing, police and highways as well as continuing to deliver high quality and cost-effective services.

"In these tough times we need to work hard to support businesses and local communities, provide affordable homes for residents and ensure the district is a safe and clean place to live."