A FORMER probation boss from Manchester is to take on the top job at Denbighshire County Council.

Judith Greenhalgh, previously director of corporate resources at Derbyshire County Council, is to take over the £127,000-a-year chief executive role from Dr Mohammed Mehmet. The post is based at the Council’s headquarters at County Hall, Ruthin.

Ms Greenhalgh is a former deputy chief executive of the Manchester Probation Service.

A special Council meeting was held in County Hall Ruthin on Thursday where candidates were interviewed.

Judith said: "I’m delighted to have been offered the role. I cannot wait to take up the challenge and join Denbighshire.

"It is such a beautiful county, which is very close to my heart. I have often stayed in the Clwydian Range and I’ll relish the challenge of coming to work for such a progressive authority".

Dr Mehmet will leave his post in April. The former interim corporate director said he felt after 10 years, he simply needed a change.

He added: "I started in Denbighshire in December 2007 – on a six-month contract. The ten years since have been wonderful for me."

Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming someone of such high calibre to Denbighshire. There were strong contenders in the running for the post and they all performed to an extremely high standard in a rigorous selection process.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mohammed for 10 years of loyal and committed service to Denbighshire.

"During his tenure, the Council has continued to improve services to residents, has become closer to the community and is now consistently amongst the best performing authorities in Wales.

"He is leaving a lasting legacy."