BRAINTREE District Council has approved the appointment of its new chief executive.

At a meeting held on Monday it was agreed that Nicola Beach, who joined the authority as a corporate director in June 2010, will take over the reins from Allan Reid.

Mr Reid retires on December 31 after 17 years with the council and nine years as chief executive.

Council leader Graham Butland said: “Allan has done a tremendous job over many years. He leaves an ambitious council that has a great record in delivering high quality services and excellent value for money.

“We are assured that, with Nicola, the council continues to be in good hands with the ability to deliver our priorities.”

Ms Beach, who has previously worked at South Norfolk District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Essex County Council, where she led the Essex Waste Strategy, said she was “extremely proud” to be appointed,

She added: “In my role 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, police, education and highways and, continue to deliver high quality and cost-effective services.

“I relish the challenges of making the Braintree district the best place to live, work and play in Essex.”