LYNN Clarke has been named as St Helens Council’s new cabinet member for environment.

The St Helens town centre ward member will oversee the green, smart and sustainable portfolio, after Cllr Terry Shields stepped down.

Cllr Shields, ward member for Parr, stepped down from the role late last month just days after missing a key cabinet meeting.

Welcoming the appointment, St Helens Council leader Barrie Grunewald said: “I’m delighted that Lynn has agreed to join the cabinet which takes the amount of women in senior roles within cabinet to an all-time record of six in the 100th anniversary since the suffrage movement.

“I know this will be a tough portfolio but I’m sure Lynne will be more than capable of handling it and I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”

Cllr Clarke must now oversee the council’s proposed three weekly bin pilot scheme, which was due to be discussed during last month’s cabinet meeting before being deferred for further scrutiny by the council leader.

Her first cabinet meeting will take place this afternoon.

Commenting on her new role, Cllr Clarke said: "I am very much looking forward to joining my council colleagues in cabinet.

“The portfolio will be a challenge but I'm hopeful that my years of experience working as an officer in local government will stand me in good stead to give me a full understanding of all the issues.

“I'm keen to get started."