COUNCILLOR Lesley Faulkner has announced her intention to step down as cabinet member for adult and community services at the end of this month.

The Halesowen North ward councillor, has held the top cabinet role for two-and-a-half years.

She has also decided to retire as a councillor at the next election, having represented the ward since 2003.

Halesowen South councillor David Vickers is set to move into her role.

Councillor Faulkner, said: “It’s been an honour and privilege to serve the borough as a councillor and as the cabinet member for adult and community services.

“Once I had made my decision some weeks ago not to stand again at the next local elections in May 2012, I realised just how important it was to hand over my cabinet member duties as soon as possible to give my successor the chance to become familiar with the roles and responsibilities at the earliest opportunity.”

“I’d like to thank everyone for the support they have given me over the years and I wish Councillor Vickers well in his important new role.”

Councillor Les Jones, leader of Dudley Council, said: “I’d like to thank Lesley for her commitment and hard work she has given the council over the last eight years and wish her the best for the future.

“There are a number of challenges ahead of us within the adult and community services area, including the transformation agenda, the integration of public health into our existing structure and the challenging budget decisions we are having to make. This is why we agreed it was in the best interest for her successor to be in post at the earliest opportunity.

“David has a proven record as a committed cabinet member. His commitment to the most vulnerable in the community and his strong work ethic make him ideally suited to this demanding and challenging role.”