A CREWE councillor has been appointed to a new role to support Cheshire East Council's response to the pandemic.

Cllr Marilyn Houston, ward member for Crewe West, will be the new deputy cabinet member for adult social care and health, a position the authority is creating because of the extra pressures created by Covid-19.

Latest figures show a rise of 33 cases of Covid-19 in Cheshire East in the week up to August 29.

The borough has recorded a total of 2,406 cases since the start of the pandemic with 549 deaths.

The adult social care and health team has been responsible for ensuring older people shielding received support, including deliveries of food and other essentials.

Council leader Sam Corcoran said: "In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become clear that our adult social care and health portfolio requires additional support and I am pleased that Cllr Houston has agreed to take up the position of deputy portfolio holder under Cllr Laura Jeuda.

"Following the local election in May 2019, the new Labour/Independent administration chose to combine two areas of responsibility – adult social care and health – to form one much larger portfolio, bringing about a closer working relationship between the care of older residents and our delivery of the council's health sector responsibilities.

"Naturally, there is a cross-over of needs and delivery but the added pressures created by the pandemic, which remains an ongoing concern and demand on the council's resources, calls for the appointment of a supportive deputy cabinet member for this area of work."

Cllr Houston, who joined Cheshire East in 2019 also serves on Crewe Town Council. She is a former Crewe Mayor and was recently appointed Cheshire East's equality, diversity and inclusion member champion.

She served on the health and adult social care and communities overview and scrutiny committee.

"I am looking forward to working with Cllr Jeuda and all the council's partners at this key time, in ensuring that the people of Cheshire East are provided with health and social care services that enable them to live longer and healthier lives," said Cllr Houston.

Cheshire East says that Cllr Houston's appointment by the council leader is "cost neutral" to the council and council taxpayer.

She will support the present portfolio lead, Cllr Jeuda, who said: "Cllr Houston has a wealth of experience in local government and social policy.

"She will be a great asset to ensuring that our residents are served well, particularly in what are, and will no doubt continue to be, challenging and uncertain times."