CHIPPENHAM Town Council have appointed their new chief executive who will take up the position in March.

Mark Smith will take on the role following Sue Wilthew’s resignation at the end of last year due to health reasons.

Currently working for Reading Borough Council as chief officer responsible for transportation, highways and streetcare, Mr Smith oversees an annual budget or more than £20million while managing more than 300 staff.

He was also previously director of neighbourhood services at Wiltshire Council until 2013 and had a lead role in setting up Wiltshire Unitary Council.

“I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to have been selected as chief executive at Chippenham Town Council; this is a fantastic opportunity to lead the officer team in one of the largest and most progressive town councils in the country,” he said.

“I’m here for the duration and will provide stability and officer leadership for the council going forward – Chippenham is a fantastic town, in a lovely county with a great town council and the ability to punch above its weight – I will do my utmost to ensure that the council continues to work hard for the town and everyone who lives, works, visits and invests in the town.

“Clearly a great deal of modernisation has happened in recent years and I’m looking forward to working closely with elected members, officers, partners and the community to ensure that we continue to build on those successes and realise the full potential of the town and the council.”