THE man who had been leading a housing provider in Ludlow and south Shropshire is stepping down.

He has been chief executive officer of Connexus Housing that was formed in July 2017 following a merger of the Shropshire Housing Group and Herefordshire Housing Group.

It marks a major move for a man who has been involved in work linked to housing and helping people to find homes for more than 40 years.

Peter Brown began his career in 1974 as an architectural assistant then as a night shelter worker in Aberdeen, before getting his first job in a housing association.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute in housing but after working for 11 housing associations, six as Chief Executive Officer, it’s time to start a new adventure,” he said.

Connexus is a great organisation with great people and now is the time for something else to take the reins”.

Jake Berriman, currently deputy CEO, steps up to lead the organization. Chair, Ruth Cooke said

“Peter has done a great job getting Connexus up and running and we wish him well in the future,” said Ruth Cooke, chair of Connexus Hosuing.

Housing has been highlighted as a key issue by Ludlow Town Council and is a particular problem in an area where houses prices are relatively high and salaries low.

There is a particular need for social housing that people can rent or have shared ownership.