COLCHESTER Council’s social housing boss has stepped down and the process for recruiting his successor is now underway.

Dirk Paterson enjoyed a four-year stint as the chair of the council’s housing arm, Colchester Borough Homes (CBH), and played a key role in helping the organisation house vulnerable people during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Speaking after his four-year term ended, Mr Paterson said the need for social housing will become ever more pressing in the coming years due to the housing shortage and cost of living crisis.

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He said: “With the incredibly difficult times ahead for the whole country, never has there been a greater need for high-quality, affordable social housing.

“I’m confident that, with the right funding and structures in place, CBH is in a very strong position to deliver the excellence in social housing the people of Colchester deserve.”

Karen Smout has taken over as the interim chair of CBH, and thanked Mr Paterson for his work as the social housing chief.

Council portfolio holder for housing Julie Young said: “On behalf of Colchester City Council, I want to thank Dirk for providing such strong advocacy for Colchester’s social housing residents during his term of office.”