Plus Dane Group which has properties in Halton has a new chief executive.

Barbara Spicer, currently chief executive of the Skills Funding Agency will take up the post in September.

Before that post she was chief executive of Salford City Council for eight years.

Linda Minnis, chairman of Plus Dane Group said: “The Plus Dane board is delighted to have appointed Barbara at an exciting time for the organisation. We feel her vision, values, experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable in delivering our future goals and aspirations.”

Barbara Spicer said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team at Plus Dane and to have been given the opportunity to lead the organisation as it further develops its already excellent work in neighbourhoods across Cheshire and Merseyside.

I was excited by the fact that the chairman and board are clear about their vision for the future, a vision I wholeheartedly buy into.

"Housing has been the one constant for me throughout what has been a varied career of public service, and this very much feels like coming back to my roots."