| West Berkshire Council has appointed within it's own ranks for the position of Chief Executive vacated earlier this year by Jim Graham. Nick Carter the man behind Newbury's 20-year regeneration project has been chosen to run the £200m authority.
Previously Corporate Director Strategy and Resources Mr Carter has overseen the town's Vision project, along with advising on the scrapping of the council's 10 year contract with private firm Amey. The position is expected to be confirmed on Monday.
The position commands a six figure salary. The move expands Mr Carter's role and influence at the council at a sensitive time for the controversial Vision, as the timetable has already slipped on two key projects.
Along with the delays to the proposed daytime car ban in Wharf Street and Market Place, as well as another stalling of a new six screen cinema, Mr Carter is a key figure in rehiring the 400 staff outsourced to Amey three years ago. In April, Newbury's favourite website revealed that the £104m contract had collapsed, when it emerged that the private firm couldn't make the efficiency savings it had promised shareholders. | 
