THE hunt is on for a new figure to head Burnley Council after it was confirmed chief executive Steve Rumbelow is departing for Rochdale.

Mr Rumbelow, who has been with the authority for eight years, has helped to take the borough to its position as the ‘most enterprising place in the UK’.

And town hall leaders in Rochdale are delighted to secure his services for their £130,000-a-year post, describing him as one of England’s ‘most dynamic’ civil servants. Coun Mark Townsend, leader of Burnley Council, has insisted it will be ‘business as usual’ while they recruit a replacement for the position, which attracts a basic salary of £112,335.

Unlike neighbouring Pendle, which has announced it has axed the post after the departure of Stephen Barnes, council bosses in Burnley say they will be appointing a successor.

Coun Townsend said: “I would like to put on record my appreciation of Steve’s contribution to Burnley since joining the council in 2006.

“Working with all councillors, he has steered our services through a range of challenges, overseen major projects, and helped build a really positive reputation for the council and the borough.”

Mr Rumbelow has also overseen the regeneration of the former Weavers’ Triangle.

The reopening of the Todmorden Curve, promising faster services to Manchester, has also occurred during his tenure.

He said: “I have enjoyed my time in Burnley immensely.

“It is a great place, with great people, and the council staff really work hard delivering the best possible services to people.

“I will miss the place but I am, of course, looking forward to my new challenge in Rochdale.”

Coun Richard Farnell, Rochdale Council leader, added: “It is a major coup for Rochdale to secure the appointment of Steve Rumbelow. He is one of the country’s most successful and dynamic chief executives.”