THE borough is advertising for a new head of community and cultural services at a salary of up to �65,000 a year.

The job is a new position created in the wake of the changes to the council’s senior management which were introduced earlier this year.

The new appointee will replace Billy Brennan who has been senior manager responsible for the Corn Exchange, Regent, and the council’s sports facilities for several years.

Mr Brennan did not apply for the new post and has opted to take early retirement – but he is filling the role on an interim basis until a new manager is appointed.

The changes were introduced earlier this year as part of a major cost-cutting programme at the borough. They are expected to save the council �500,000 a year.

As part of the changes the council’s two directors are departing, and have been replaced by new chief operating officer Helen Pluck, who reports to chief executive Russell Williams.

Borough council leader David Ellesmere said: “The council’s aim is to protect frontline services and reorganisation seeks to ensure this will happen while saving a substantial amount from the budget.

“We are very grateful to Billy Brennan for all the great work he has done over the years and we are looking for a new appointee who will be able to continue to improve our services.”

The council hopes to interview candidates as soon as possible and expects to have the new appointee in position in early spring next year.