WAVERLEY Borough Council has undertaken its own executive reshuffle, including a move for the councillor responsible for overseeing Farnham’s air quality issues.

Haslemere councillor James Edwards made way as Waverley’s portfolio holder for the environment this week, and was replaced by Godalming member Andrew Bolton.

Mr Edwards retains a role on the council’s decision-making executive committee, however, taking the brief for economic and community development.

Farnham councillors on the nine-strong committee include Julia Potts as chairman and portfolio holder for corporate strategy and Christopher Storey as member for planning operations and policy.

Miss Potts, leader of the council and member for Upper Hale, said: “In the forthcoming council meetings during the next three months we will be considering the budget for 2018-19 and the service plans.

“The changes in the executive were made to ensure there is clarity and political support to enable the delivery of our priorities going forward.

“There has been significant work internally over past six months led by [Waverley’s new chief executive] Tom Horwood and myself on development of the new draft corporate plan and looking again at where both councillors and residents are indicating they want the council focus to be.

“It therefore seemed the right time to make these changes with all these coming to fruition.”

It follows the departure of Waverley’s chief officer for air quality, strategic director Damien Roberts in October, and proceeds the expected results of an audit into Waverley’s botched 2016 Annual Air Quality Status Report.