BURNLEY Council's new chief executive Steve Rumbelow today spoke of his excitement at the birth of a new Burnley' ahead of taking the reins at the authority.

Mr Rumbelow, who starts in his new role on Tuesday, was previously director of housing at Manchester City Council, where he has worked since March 1998.

He takes over at Burnley Council from acting chief executive Mick Cartledge, who will revert to his previous role as director of community services.

Mr Cartledge has acted as chief executive following the departure of Dr Gillian Taylor last Christmas.

Mr Rumbelow, a Sheffield Wednesday FC fan, has visited Burnley several times in recent weeks to get up to speed ahead of taking over the top role.

He has met with councillors, directors and senior staff.

Steve, 44, who lives with partner Sheila Doran in Glossop, Derbyshire, said: "I'm looking forward to finally getting up and running in my new role and working with what I already know is a very committed team of colleagues.

"One of my first priorities will be to go round the council and meet other staff.

"I'm looking forward to the new challenges ahead.

"These are very exciting times for the borough and I'm looking forward to carrying forward what's quite rightly been called the birth of a new Burnley.

"I would like to thank my colleagues, especially Mick Cartledge, for all the hard work they have done since Dr Taylor's departure.

"They've made sure that the transition from one chief executive to another has gone smoothly and the council's important work has continued efficiently and effectively."

Before joining Manchester City Council Mr Rumbelow worked at Leeds City and Ashfield District councils.

He has led the housing service in Manchester for the last four years.