New borough chief Russell Williams is today getting to grips with his new job a fortnight after taking the helm at Grafton House.

IPSWICH: New borough chief Russell Williams is today getting to grips with his new job a fortnight after taking the helm at Grafton House.

Mr Williams was appointed interim chief executive at the start of the month following the sudden death of James Hehir in November.

And while the circumstances surrounding his appointment have left everyone at the council in a state of shock, he has been delighted by the support he has received since his taking charge.

He said: “Over the last couple of weeks I have been trying to get round and talk to everyone at the council and over the next few weeks I will be meeting key people around the town.

“I've been really struck by the amount of support I've had. There is a determination to pull together and while I would never have wanted the job in the circumstances it came about, I have been finding I am enjoying the challenge.”

Mr Williams was keen to point out his style is different to that of Mr Hehir - although he hoped to see the town's development continue.

“I'm not likely to be as high-profile as Jim was in promoting the town. I do things a bit differently - but I shall be fighting very hard to make sure the development continues.

“We've come a long way in recent years, but there is still much to do and I want to play my part in that.”

Mr Williams is interim chief executive until September at least.

By then the future shape of local government in Suffolk should be clearer - and the general election will be done and dusted.

What happens to Ipswich council then is still very much up in the air - but Mr Williams is set to have his hand on the rudder during some stormy times in 2010.