BERNIE Brannan is to move in as Swindon Council's new director of housing. He has been the council's acting director of housing for the past 11 months.

During this time he has worked with housing staff to achieve progress in the way the council manages its housing services.

Bernie said: "I am, of course, delighted and proud to be given the opportunity of leading the new housing directorate.

"While we have achieved a lot in the last year we still have a lot to do and offer. I am looking forward to the challenge."

Chief executive Simon Birch said: "I'd like to congratulate Bernie and I look forward to working with him and the other directors to make Swindon the kind of council we can all be proud of."

Leader of the council Mike Bawden said: "I am absolutely delighted that Bernie has been given the job. It is fantastic to see a long serving officer's career progressing in the authority."