ONE of the top figures at Bradford Council will be moving to a role at neighbouring Calderdale Council.

Calderdale has appointed Shelagh O’Neill as Director of Regeneration and Strategy. Mrs O'Neill has worked for Bradford Council for 17 years, and is currently Assistant Director for Economy and Development Services.

She has had a major role in some of the District's biggest regeneration projects, including City Park.

She will move to her new role in January 2021.

In Calderdale, she will have responsibility for flood recovery and resilience, delivering the Council’s capital projects through The Next Chapter; the recovery and resetting of Calderdale's towns during the pandemic, delivering the West Yorkshire devolution deal; and work on skills and "developing an inclusive economy where everyone can access and benefit from opportunities."

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Shelagh will take on the role from Marc Cole, who has been the Council’s Interim Director of Regeneration and Strategy since March 2020. She will join the Council’s senior team who recently won local government ‘Senior Leadership Team of the Year’ in the MJ Awards.

She said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the Calderdale team at this very challenging, but exciting, time. I look forward to working with my new colleagues, local communities, businesses and partners to build on the solid foundations already in place to ensure we deliver the ambitious Vision2024 for Calderdale.”

Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, said: “We look forward to welcoming Shelagh to our leadership team. She will bring a huge range of experience to the post, along with strong relationships across West Yorkshire.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is undoubtedly one of the most challenging times for the Council, but there are also many exciting and ambitious regeneration projects ahead. Shelagh has a real passion for our place and our Vision2024 for Calderdale, and I know she will help us to create a vibrant future for the borough.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Marc Cole over the last few months. His valuable knowledge and expertise have helped us support our local businesses and towns through the pandemic.”