A new lead member of environment for Brent Council has been appointed after the councillor who held the position stepped down from the role last month.

Cllr George Crane will take over from Cllr Keith Perrin, who resigned from the position due to personal reasons but is staying on as a ward councillor for Northwick Park.

Cllr Crane, who also represents the Fryent ward, has been a councillor for a number of years and was the lead member for regeneration and growth in the last administration.

He said: “I am excited about the portfolio area – there are lots of new things in the pipeline in Brent, including improvements to the public realm and waste management, including new and more frequent recycling collections from spring next year.

“However, I am also acutely aware that Brent Council faces some tough challenges with public services facing dramatic cuts in funding from central government, so the cabinet will have to be making some tough decisions.

“I am keen to listen to and engage with residents.

“I look forward to working with them and other partners over the coming months.”