THERE is unqualified good news for the Arts Council's clients in the appointment of Mary Cloake, formerly regions officer, to the newly created position of development director. This appointment is the first visible outcome of the resolution of the long struggle by the council - and its staff - for more internal resources. According to a council statement, it is "the first in a series of appointments that will see the Mary Cloake: new job council prioritising its commitment to the arts at a local level with the creation of a new team specifically to address this area". Mary Cloake was well known; for her hard work and creative and sensitive approach in her previous position, and her promotion will be widely welcomed. The council plans to appoint a further four executives over the coming months.