Mark Smith and Brad Fleet - Corporate Directors at Kennet District Council have been appointed to key positions in the new Wiltshire Council. The appointments were made after a rigorous interview process carried out by the Implementation Executive on Monday, which comprises of Councillors from all four districts and the county council.

Mark has been appointed as, ‘Service Director – Leisure and Amenity’, this role will give him county wide responsibility for a diverse range of services, including: Leisure Services, Waste & Recycling, Amenity Management, Countryside & Public Realm Strategy and Fleet Management. His responsibility will extend to the management of about 750 staff spread throughout the county and an annual budget of about £35million. Mark was responsible for the introduction of the hugely successful alternate weekly collections of waste and garden waste collections in the Kennet, which has seen recycling rocket to 48%.  He also was responsible for the £3million refurbishment of Devizes Leisure Centre, the building of ‘Kennet House’ on the Hopton Industrial site and the introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement.  Mark has over 27 years experience in local government and has worked for four different councils, he has a Masters Degree in Business Administration, a Diploma in English Law and is due to complete a Law Degree later this year.

Mark said; “I am delighted and privileged to be given the opportunity to be able to play a part in the formation of the new council and continue to serve the people of Wiltshire.  I shall do all possible to ensure that the residents of Wiltshire are able to benefit from high quality, easily accessible, low cost services”.

Brad has been appointed as ‘Service Director – Development’ with responsibility for development and building control, enforcement and conservation matters across the county.   The new Unitary Council will be one of the largest in the country and deal with around 10,000 planning applications a year, more than any other council.  There are 16,000 listed buildings and 240 conservation areas, two World Heritage Sites and parts of three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Brad’s background is Town and Country Planning and he has worked for a number of local authorities and managed planning services for 26 years. At Kennet his team has developed into one of the most efficient, effective and well respected planning services in the South West.

Brad said:   I am looking forward to working with colleagues from the five Wiltshire Councils to develop a united and integrated service which really works hard for the community.  A service which listens to what people want and then strives along with other services in the new council, to deliver those aspirations in a cost effective and sustainable way”.

Councillor Lionel Grundy (Leader of Kennet District Council) said: “I am delighted that these two dedicated and experienced officers have been given a lead role in the new council – They have been a huge asset to Kennet District Council and I wish them well in their new roles.”