A MALVERN town councillor has admitted giving a reference for the former town clerk who took another job shortly after taking early retirement from Malvern.

Councillor David Williams made the admission after town councillors decided to write to South Somerset District Council, where Stuart McDonough now works, saying they were concerned an unauthorised reference may have been given on behalf of the town council and asking for details.

"I did give a reference for Mr McDonough but the contents are entirely confidential between the recipient, the former town clerk and myself," Coun Williams told the meeting.

"No further correspondence has been received by myself. I've discussed the issue with the district auditor and await his report."

When asked the date of the reference, he declined to answer.

The question was raised by Coun Paul Tuthill, who called for any councillor or council employee who gave Mr McDonough a reference to disclose the fact.

"The former town clerk started work for South Somerset District Council in August soon after he secured a retirement package from this council," said Coun Tuthill.

"I believe this is of great interest to the townsfolk of Malvern as it cost them a lot of money."

Acting town clerk Rosemary Lansdowne said councillors giving a personal reference to anyone should state it very clearly in the letter, otherwise it would be assumed by the recipient that the reference was being given on behalf of the town council.

Mr McDonagh shocked colleagues and critics in May when he announced his decision to quit under a barrage of criticism about the council's spending on converting Manders pharmacy into its headquarters, and last year's Christmas lights.

The former clerk, in his 50s, had worked for the council since 1997 when he stepped down in June. The extent of his golden handshake was never revealed.

Since then, six officers have resigned, leaving Mrs Lansdowne at the helm.