Council chief executive to quit

Ian Miller has been Denbighshire's top official since 2002

The chief executive of Denbighshire County Council has announced he is to step down after seven years "to pursue new challenges".

Ian Miller, whose council has been criticised over education and for its handling of an autism centre closure, will leave on Friday.

Labour AM Ann Jones, who has been in dispute with him, called his departure "unfortunate but necessary".

She said the county had been left with "an image of poor governance".

Mr Miller said: "After nearly seven years with the council, I feel I have achieved the main goals that I set myself when I joined.

"After much evaluation of my priorities and positive, detailed discussions with colleagues, I have decided that now is the right time to pursue new challenges."

He has shown utmost dedication, commitment and integrity during his time with Denbighshire Hugh Evans, Denbighshire council leader

Mr Miller said the council was in a "position to tackle the challenges of the coming period and to continue its journey of improvement under new leadership" and its finances had been "stabilised

He added: "I wish staff, the leader and the council well for the future.

"Certainly, I believe that the foundations are in place for the council to move from strength to strength."

Residential centre

Denbighshire's education service was criticised in a report by schools inspector Estyn in September 2007.

It highlighted poor communication and "ineffective" political leadership at the council.

It also concluded that performance in the county was below average at ages seven, 11 and 16.

Those criticisms led to the ousting of former council leader Rhiannon Hughes, who lost a vote of no confidence.

In September 2008, the council was criticised for the way it handled the opening and closure of Hyfrydle, a residential centre for autistic children which opened in 2007.

However, in July 2008 it closed after the council decided it was too costly to run.

The council said lessons had been learned and changes implemented after Education Minister Jane Hutt identified a series of errors.

'Great servant'

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones recently complained after Mr Miller authorised the release of details of how she pays her council tax before a debate about post office closures.

Ms Jones said: "The decision by Ian Miller to resign is unfortunate but I believe necessary if the county is to progress.

"The failures he has presided over such as the damning Estyn report into education management by the authority, the local development planning process and the closure of Hyfrydle has left an image of poor governance.

"It is now time for the local authority to take a hard look at itself, its structures and overall improve its communication with the residents and agencies who depend on the services that Denbighshire County Council manage."

But council leader Hugh Evans said Mr Miller had been a "great servant".

He added: "He has shown utmost dedication, commitment and integrity during his time with Denbighshire.

"He has championed the council's core values of unity, pride, respect and integrity in all he has done."