THE radical shake-up of Wyre Forest District Council has moved into the final stages after a new executive took over leadership of the council.

The new leader and executive structure is modelled directly on the cabinet-style of central government.

As with the Government cabinet, each member of the new executive will be responsible for specific services and responsibilities.

Council leader Mike Oborski said: "The changes are part of the Government's modernisation programme for local government nationwide.

"The aim is to make councils more accountable to the public. From now on the public will know precisely which councillors are responsible for what."

The executive will be answerable to three overview and scrutiny committees and to the full council.

Mr Oborski will have responsibility for policy and review (leadership, community strategy, strategic policy and planning), while deputy leader Councillor Ken Stokes has responsibility for community life (leisure, arts and culture and commercial services).

Councillor Dick Barton is responsible for finance and ICT (budget management, information technology and oversight of Best Value), Councillor Brian Glass takes on community health and safety (community health, crime and disorder and waste management), Councillor Irene Dolan social housing and property (social housing strategy, acquisitions and disposals and legal workforce) and Councillor Steve Roberts environment and development (development control, Local Agenda 21 and economic development and tourism).

In addition, Councillor Pauline Hayward is responsible for transport and transportation (street trading, taxis, car parks and transport plan), while Councillor Liz Davies serves on the executive as member without portfolio.