The New chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council, David Panter, has wasted little time in organising a shake-up at the top.

Less than two months into the job, he is setting up an extended management team and abolishing the strategic management board.

The new team will have the experienced Alan McCarthy, the only internal applicant to be interviewed for the job of chief executive, as his deputy.

Alan McCarthy knows Brighton and Hove like the back of his hand and his experience will be vital to Mr Panter.

It is good to have resources director Bill Brown, communications director Tony Miller, chief finance office Chris Taylor and acting city solicitor Abrahamm Ghebre Ghiorghis on board.

Already, Mr Panter has got off to a good start, settling the dustmen's dispute and getting to know his staff well.

With all departments working together and knowing what their tasks and objectives are, Brighton and Hove should continue to be the place to be.

By giving the able communications director Tony Miller a high-profile role, it means the council regards putting over its message as top priority.

The city council should make sure its messages are made of substance as the electors for the next Brighton and Hove elections in 2003 will not be fobbed off.

They want an efficient council with council tax rises kept to a minimum.