BLACKPOOL council's chief executive has announced his wish to seek early retirement from his "challenging" job at the town hall.

Graham Essex-Crosby announced that he hoped to retire at the end of March, 2002, after almost 30 years of continuous service to the borough.

Mr Essex-Crosby, aged 53, became Chief Executive in November, 1993. He first joined the council in 1971 as a newly-qualified accountant and later served as Chief Finance Officer and Director of Finance.

During his tenure as council chief, the borough council changed to unitary status, giving Blackpool full control of town hall affairs.

"It's been a job that has never been boring, always challenging. Blackpool has a wider range of local issues and opportunities than almost any other council," he said.

He added that the time was right for the council to consider a change of top management. He said that a new chief executive would have the opportunity to see a host of major projects -- including the building of new conference facilities and a major expansion of the tramway -- to completion. "These are large investments that will require detailed oversight over the long term," he said. He added that he intends to remain involved in the community, particularly through his role on the board of governors of Blackpool and the Fylde College.

A further top-level change at the council came when Coun Roy Fisher was elected as the new leader of the ruling Labour group at the weekend.

Coun Fisher, aged 46, was previously deputy Labour leader and took over as leader following the death of Coun George Bancroft last month. The new deputy Labour leader was due to be announced as The Citizen went to press this week.

Coun Fisher said: "I wouldn't have wanted to take over in these circumstances, but George would have wished us to carry on." He added that he would be continuing Coun Bancroft's "up for grabs" policy.

Coun Fisher, who is married with two children aged 24 and 22, said that his employers at BNFL Springfield -- where he works as an electrician -- were very forward thinking and allowed staff time off for public duties.

A special council meeting will be held this month to determine who will officially succeed Coun Bancroft as leader of the council.