THE search is on for a new managing director of Groundwork Bury following the departure of Mike Kinsella.

After five years in the town, he is leaving to become economic regeneration manager of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Groundwork is a federation of nearly 50 local Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, each working with partners to improve the local environment, the lives of local people and the profitability of local businesses.

Mr Kinsella said: "As a Bury boy I have enjoyed my time working in the town and made numerous friends in the public, private and voluntary sectors. I have been supported by an enthusiastic board and a wonderful staff. While I look forward to my new career I shall leave with very fond memories of the friendships I have forged."

Mr Kinsella lives with his wife Janet and sons Peter, Sean and Patrick in neighbouring Rossendale. He was educated in Bury, joining MacPherson Paints in a senior management position in 1977, moving to Groundwork Blackburn in 1992 where he managed the Business Environment Association until taking up a similar role in Bury in January 1998. In April 2002 he was appointed managing director to the newly formed Groundwork Trust. He sits on a wide range of environmental bodies including the Pilsworth Environmental Company.

Groundwork Bury executive director Peter Wilmers said the panel would meet in mid-August to announce Mr Kinsella's successor. He said that key regional and national players were interested in the job, as well as candidates from Australia and Eastern Europe.