REPLACEMENTS for four retiring members of the Northwest Development Agency board are likely to be announced later in the year.

Thousands of people applied when the positions were advertised during the summer. An annual allowance of £7,419 a year is paid for a commitment to two days a month.

The members stepping down shortly are Maggie Chadwick, principal and chief executive of Furness College, Barrow; Fred Ridley, Liberal Democrat leader of Stockport Council; Judy Robinson, chairman of Voluntary Sector North West and Littlewoods chairman James Ross.

Those re-appointed include broadcaster Felicity Goodey; North-west TUC secretary Alan Manning; and Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council.