COLCHESTER Council's housing firm has appointed a successful businessman and charity boss as its new chair.

Colchester Borough Homes has announced Dirk Paterson will take over the role from Anne Grahamslaw, who made the decision to leave at the end of her tenure to pursue a career in politics.

Mr Paterson, who lives in Colchester, has 20 years' experience as chair of a charity in Tower Hamlets and runs a communications consultancy firm with national and international clients.

He said: "I’m delighted to be chosen to take up the chairmanship of Colchester Borough Homes.

“Safe, quality housing is essential for people to flourish in education, in their careers and in their relationships.

"It’s vital that Colchester Borough Homes maintains momentum in providing great housing services in Colchester and the surrounding areas to support the delivery of the council's strategic objectives

“I’m looking forward to working in partnership local stakeholders and residents to get the highest standard of long-term housing management for the area.

"I’m also passionate about good governance and I’m excited about bringing 20 years of experience as chair to the table.

"I’ve been enormously impressed with the vigour, skill and ethos at Colchester Borough Homes and look forward to being part of the team.”

The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process and will be for a three year period.

Adam Fox, councillors responsible for housing, said: "Colchester Council welcomes the appointment of the new Colchester Borough Homes chair.

"We are confident Dirk’s extensive experience will help enable the organisation to play a key role in delivering Colchester Council’s strategic objectives and continue to make a real difference in the community.”

Visit cbhomes.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-decisions to find out more about the organisation's governance and its board.