By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 11:53, Saturday, 12 January 2013

The top man at Allerdale council has announced that he is retiring.

Harry Dyke

Harry Dyke will leave his post as the authority’s chief executive at the end of May after holding the position for the past four years.

It is not yet known if Mr Dyke will be replaced as the council is currently looking at the future of its senior management.

Councillor Alan Smith, leader of Allerdale council, said it had been a “privilege” to work with Mr Dyke, adding that he wished him all the best in hisretirement.

“We aren’t going to make rash decisions about a replacement for Harry,” said Mr Smith. “We are going to look at the future of senior management in a pragmatic way and are currently investigating options that are in the best interest of not only the council but the people of Allerdale who we serve.

“But rest assured that, as leader of the council, I will be making the correct decision about the future management of the council after full consideration of all the options.”

Mr Dyke joined Allerdale as its first director of customer services six years ago and became chief executive in 2009.

A chartered secretary by profession, most of Mr Dyke’s career was spent in policy and corporate roles with various local authorities in the north, including Gateshead and North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Councils and Hambleton District Council.

Earlier this week, Allerdale announced that 34 jobs will be lost at the council in the latest round of cuts, but a further 22 jobs were to be created as part of a “restructuring” process.

Forty-three members of staff have received ‘at risk’ letters and they will find out where the jobs will go at the end of compulsory 30-day consultation period on February 7.

Mr Dyke said he hoped the new posts would be filled by some who lose their jobs. The savings are part of a drive to save £3.5m in three years.

First published at 11:36, Saturday, 12 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk