WYCHAVON District Council has announced who will replace the managing director when he retires.

Jack Hegarty, council head of planning, will be promoted when Sid Pritchard leaves in April 2004.

At a meeting of Wychavon's executive board, last week, members agreed he should be made managing director designate immediately.

But Liberal Democrats were unhappy that the post was not advertised and a formal interview procedure followed.

Councillor Margaret Rowley (Bowbrook) said it should have been an open competition.

"This is not personal, it is a matter of principle," she said.

"I am totally opposed to this way of appointing a managing director."

Fellow Liberal Democrat, Cllr Adrian Darby (South Bredon Hill), said a candidate chosen following an interview process would be in a better position when they took up the post.

"If they have gone through the process and clearly come out the best, it gives them more authority," he said.

Cllr Darby asked whether the decision could be made after the local elections next year.

"I am not against this particular person who I think is a star," he added.

Council leader, Cllr Malcolm Meikle (Con - Elmley Castle), supported the proposal.

"I suspect, with almost total confidence, that if we waited until after the election this talent would not be available for consideration," he said.

"When the head of planning was appointed there was acknowledgement that he had a great deal of capacity.

"Therefore, it seems quite wrong not to recognise that and take advantage of the talent we have in-house," he said.