A LOCAL council is undergoing a shake-up ahead of a multimillion-pound regeneration programme.

Chesham Town Council is seeking new talent to lead ambitious plans and deliver a big budget scheme that will see the town centre and public services transformed. 

It is currently hiring a new Head of Finance and a Chief Executive Officer to help develop the Chesham Neighbourhood Plan.

The hires follow the recent retirement of Finance Manager Steve Pearson after a 41-year career at the Town Hall.

Mr Pearson has been instrumental in many changes over the last few years, according to his colleagues, and has helped to develop plans for The Elgiva Theatre and the Moor Gym and Swim. 

Conservative Chiltern Ridges ward councillor Jane MacBean described him as an important member of the team, who often ‘held the fort’ at the Town Hall in difficult times during the pandemic.

She said Mr Pearson is “looking forward to relaxing”.

Cllr MacBean wished Mr Pearson all the best for his retirement: “Steve has been an incredible asset to Chesham for over four decades and should feel immensely proud of the way he has served the council and residents. We will miss him.”

Chesham saw some improvements made last year when the Town Council bought wooden planters to replace temporary barriers prohibiting vehicles entering Market Square, thus allowing socially-distanced trade to continue.

It has long been an ambition of locals to pedestrianise the area, Cllr MacBean said at the time.

We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting Chesham. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics