A GROUP set up to drive regeneration in North Worcestershire has appointed an interim chief.

Paul Spooner has taken up the role of interim head of service of NWedR following the departure of Dean Piper.

Mr Spooner has held executive director and chief executive roles in his career and worked for unitary councils, a London Borough, government bodies, and most recently a new town development corporation.

Most recently as chief executive of a new Garden City Development Corporation he coordinated the public and private sector funding of the major infrastructure to enable the start on site of 5,000 new mixed tenure homes and the new town centre.

He was also asked to lead the Government review of an enterprise zone programme in 2013 and again in 2015/16 reporting to ministers on ways to accelerate further development.

He continues to operate as an independent government advisor on housing development and growth.

Mr Spooner said: “North Worcestershire is a successful business location, with great potential for further growth and regeneration.

“Our role is to work in partnership with the private sector and our other public sector colleagues to unlock development sites, secure investment in new and improved infrastructure, and support the continuing development and vibrancy of our town centres.

“There are significant opportunities for new high quality development in our towns and on our employment sites, and with our pipeline of projects, this is an exciting time for the North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration team.”