Tributes paid to South Ribble council's outgoing chief executive Mike Nuttall

[caption id="attachment_71003" align="f-align-medium-right f-align-center" width="329"] Former South Ribble Borough Council's chief executive Mike Nuttall has resigned after more than two decades[/caption]

Tributes have been paid to South Ribble Borough Council’s chief executive Mike Nuttall, who is leaving his role after more than two decades.

Announcing his resignation, he said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to step down as chief executive of South Ribble Borough Council.

“I would like to thank them all for their sterling efforts and also thank everyone who has supported me in my role over the years – South Ribble politicians, colleagues from neighbouring councils, representatives from partner agencies and importantly residents from across the borough.

Council leader coun Colin Clark thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service to the area.

He added: “Combining the role of chief executive and chief financial officer, he has expertly guided the borough through challenging times while ensuring that the services our residents value the most are not only protected, but invested in too. He managed this while ensuring we could freeze council tax, by no means an easy task.

Coun Paul Foster, leader of the opposition on the council, said: “Mike is an honest and honourable man whose integrity is admired by all.