Send this page to a friend

Chief Executive

Chief Executive - John Harmeston

Providing services which get better and better while keeping Council Tax as low as possible is at the heart of John Harmeston's vision for Bridgnorth District Council.

The father-of-three, who has been Chief Executive since August 2003, said he was proud of the value for money offered by Bridgnorth District Council, which had the 12th lowest Council Tax in the country last year.

'We are looking as an authority to have measured, continuous improvement,' he added.'But having said that, we recognise that there are many different wants and needs and we can't meet them all.

'At 245 square miles Bridgnorth District is a huge, varied area and there are a lot of challenges in meeting the needs of all residents.

'Our aim is to manage expectations and keep Council Tax at a reasonable level, but on occasion this means we have to make tough choices.'

These choices also affect Mr Harmeston, who lives in the District.

'I believe it is only right that if you are the Chief Executive of a district you should live in it,' he said. 'It is not right to be out and about promoting the District but having to tell people that even though it's great you don't actually live there'.

'If you are making decisions about resources and services they should be decisions that you are prepared to live with too.'

When he's not working Mr Harmeston likes to combine keeping fit and taking in the District's beautiful scenery by walking.

'I'm a regular visitor to the gym, but sadly my bones won't let me play squash anymore!' he added.

Mr Harmeston, who has a background in accountancy, has previously worked for a number of district councils around the country.

He started out in Northumberland, working in Bedlington and Wansbeck, before moving to Leicestershire, where he was employed by Harborough District Council.

In 1989 he moved to Fenland District Council, in Cambridgeshire, where his last role was as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources before heading up to Shropshire to take up his current post at Bridgnorth District Council.