IAN CLARKE The timetable has been finalised to find a new chief executive for Breckland Council.The post - which will attract a salary of £110,000 a year plus performance related pay - has been advertised nationally and the closing date for applications is February.

IAN CLARKE

The timetable has been finalised to find a new chief executive for Breckland Council.

The post - which will attract a salary of £110,000 a year plus performance-related pay - has been advertised nationally and the closing date for applications is February.

Breckland Council and recruitment specialist Tribal Resources are working together to look for a new senior officer, following the resignation of Becky Hellard.

Keith Davis is currently in the post and Breckland's cabinet has agreed a timetable for appointing the new chief executive.

The candidates on a “long list” will meet senior councillors in early March before a short list is drawn up. Those candidates will be given a tour of the district and meet members and senior staff before final interviews.

A recommendation will be put to Breckland's full council meeting on March 29.

Labour councillor Linda Goreham asked if members could be involved in drawing up the contract in the light of controversy over Ms Hellard's departure and her £65,000 pay off.

But Mr Davis said it was “not normal pract-ice” to circulate contracts.

Meanwhile, Breckland has now turned down an appeal by the EDP against its request under the Freedom of Information Act for details relating to Ms Hellard's departure.

Mr Davis said Breckland was “contractually restrained” by the compromise agreement signed with Ms Hellard.

The EDP is today writing to the national Information Commissioner asking him to overrule Breckland's decision.