News Release : 24 February 2004

NEW HEAD TO FOREFRONT COMMUNICATIONS FOR PLANNING PROGRAMME

THE SOUTH EAST ENGLAND REGIONAL ASSEMBLY HAS APPOINTED A NEW HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS to help launch the Assembly’s new planning document the ‘South East Plan’ – a 20-year vision for the region. Consulting stakeholders and the public will be part of the communications programme.

Heather Bolton has been recruited to lead a dedicated team responsible for corporate communications including the programme for the South East Plan, development of publications, media relations and the website. She previously worked in a variety of senior public relations and communications roles with Transport for London, the Traffic Director for London and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities. Before moving into communications, Heather began her career in journalism, working for a number of regional newspapers and for Local Government Chronicle.

Paul Bevan, Chief Executive at the South East England Regional Assembly, said: “The Assembly is entering a new phase with the South East Plan and communications plays a vital role. With over 20 years experience Heather brings in a wealth of knowledge, particularly on public relations for transport planning. She was involved in projects such as London’s Red Routes, setting up Transport for London Street Management and consultation for London ’s Transport Strategy. We face an enormous challenge in engaging and informing all our stakeholders, therefore a dedicated communications plan will help deliver our objectives.”

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
2. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007