THE responsibility for health across the district has changed hands as cabinet member Jo Beavis steps down.

Councillor for Three Fields, Peter Tattersley, will be taking over from the Hedingham councillor, who has been cabinet member for health and communities since 2007.

Married father-of-one Mr Tattersley, from Great Bardfield, said: “I was born in South Yorkshire but I have lived in the district for 35 years.

"Having been Deputy Cabinet Member for Health & Communities for five years I know and enjoy this portfolio.

"I will be looking at how we as a district council can encourage residents to live healthier, happier and more independent lives through good planning, investment in health centres and open spaces and via health campaigning work to tackle some of the big health issues in our district.

"Personally I enjoy keeping active by walking, gardening and travelling but like most people I could do more. I look forward to the role and doing what I can to help residents live well in healthy and resilient communities.”

Mr Tattersley's background is in environmental health, looking at how environmental influences can affect human health and disease.

A spokesperson from Braintree Council said: “Graham Butland, leader of the council, announced at this week's Cabinet meeting that Peter Tattersley would be the new cabinet member for health and communities replacing Jo Beavis who has left the Cabinet.

"Councillor Tattersley was previously the deputy cabinet member for this portfolio.

"Bill Rose, the deputy cabinet member for economic development, who was previously a non-voting member of the Cabinet, becomes a full voting member.”

The Cabinet meeting was held on Monday, July 18, where councillors discussed town centre development and the moving of the St Lawrence surgery in Braintree.

Jo Beavis was contacted but was not available for comment.