A former police officer who held senior roles at councils in Merseyside and the West Midlands has been appointed as a strategic director at Brent Council.

Alan Lunt takes over the strategic director for regeneration and environment post at the council following Amar Dave’s retirement.

Mr Lunt is a former deputy chief executive of Dudley Council having previously held the strategic director for place position at the same authority.

He also has experience of working at Sefton Council, where he served as director for built environment.

The strategic director positions are among the most senior at Brent Council, reporting to chief executive Carolyn Downs.

Last year, Mr Dave was paid more than £150,000 as well as receiving lucrative local government pension payments.

Mr Lunt will be responsible for several key areas in the council, including regeneration, planning, property, parks, highways, parking, supporting businesses, driving economic growth and community protection.

He said: “Brent has so much going for it and I’m thrilled to be joining the council to play a leading role in helping to build upon those successes.

“Good quality housing led regeneration can improve neighbourhoods – making them cleaner greener and safer – while also providing the secure home and base people need to transform people’s lives for the better.

“I am passionate about working with local communities to ensure that the benefits of regeneration are shared within the community.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and doing my bit to help build a better Brent.”

Brent Council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt welcomed Mr Lunt’s appointment since his “track record speaks for itself”.

He also paid tribute to Mr Dave, noting that he provided the “utmost professionalism and dedication” in his four years in the post.