North Lanarkshire Council has appointed a new Convener of Policy and Resources (Regeneration and Infrastructure).

Councillor David Fagan was appointed following the death last month of long-serving convener, Councillor Tom Maginnis.

Cllr Fagan paid tribute to his predecessor: "Obviously I am both proud and privileged to be appointed convener. My only wish is it was under happier circumstances.

"Tom Maginnis was a great convener. There was little he didn't know about regeneration both through work on the committee and with Fusion Assets and Town Centre Activities. He was a real guiding light when I was appointed as vice-convener of the committee earlier this year.

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"It is no exaggeration to say North Lanarkshire would be a very different place without his effort."

Councillor Fagan added: "Now, more than ever, North Lanarkshire is looking towards its regeneration initiatives to boost employment and encourage new businesses to the area and help existing enterprises to grow. A good example of this is our Youth Investment Programme, which will see 5000 people helped back into work by 2015.

"We are all aware of the challenges facing the area from unemployment and deprivation. It is up to me and my colleagues to try and find new and innovative ways of tackling the economic blight where it counts most ... right on our residents' doorsteps.

"We have got to do our very best to improve education and training opportunities and open up long-term job prospects through working with prospective employers. I look forward to leading the committee as it fulfils this vital role."

Welcoming the appointment, Councillor Jim McCabe, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "I look forward to working closely with David. The remit of his committee is a vital one as we look to maintain investment in our towns and create employment opportunities in the face of the worst recession in history. I am sure he will carry out this important work diligently and with enthusiasm."

(IT/GK)