EPPING Forest District Council has appointed an acting chief executive following the departure of Peter Haywood.

Derek Macnab, 49, the council's former deputy chief executive has stepped up to the role and will remain in place at least until December when the position will be reviewed.

Mr Macnab previously managed leisure services in a number of London boroughs before joining the district council as head of leisure services in 1998.

He has lived in the district for 25 years and currently resides in Epping with his wife Donna and family.

Council leader Di Collins said: “I would like to thank Derek Macnab for taking on this temporary role. This is one of the most demanding and responsible jobs you can take in local government.

“Derek steps into the role at a particularly challenging moment but councillors will look forward to working with him in steering the council through these difficult financial times.

“Like all councils, we are facing major reductions in income and government funding. We are carrying out a spending review to see where further savings and efficiencies are possible.”

Mr Macnab will earn a pro-rata salary of £110,000 in his new position a reduction of £37,000 on the wage of Mr Haywood who took early retirement last month.