Tributes as county chief on move

Tributes were paid today to the work Shirehall boss Carolyn Downs has done to benefit the lives of Shropshire people.The county council chief executive yesterday revealed that she is leaving at the end of the year to take up a new job with the Ministry of Justice.

Mrs Downs, 48, became the first woman chief executive of the council when she was appointed in April 2003. She has been involved in numerous major schemes and has been at the forefront of Shropshire's move to unitary status next year.

Professor Margaret Bamford, chairman of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: "The trust has developed strong relationships with Shropshire County Council during Carolyn's time in office, and these have helped us to work more closely in partnership to improve health and care for the people of Shropshire.

"I wish Carolyn every success in her new role and look forward to building on these excellent foundations as the county moves forward to the new unitary authority."

A similar view was expressed by Jo Chambers, chief executive of the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust.

She said: "The trust and council have worked together on many initiatives, ranging from healthy schools, to closer working between health and social care teams, and the setting up of Shropshire's Children's Trust, and we greatly appreciate all the support Carolyn has given to improve health and well-being for local people."

Shropshire's chief fire officer, Alan Taylor, said: "We think she has been brilliant. The close working relationship we have enjoyed has worked to our benefit and to the people of Shropshire who we serve."

Shrewsbury and Atcham MP, Daniel Kawczynski, said: "I wish her well in her new post.

"We have had our differences over the unitary authority but Mrs Downs has played a pivotal role in securing the status of best county council in England for Shropshire."

By Dave Morris