MALVERN Town Council has hired a consultant to advise the authority on how to recruit a new clerk.

The current postholder, Stuart McDonough, has announced he is to leave on Sunday, June 24.

The date was chosen for "superannuation reasons", Mr McDonough said.

He declined to comment this week on how much his early retirement would cost.

But the town clerk added the amount would be made public in papers published before full council next Tuesday.

Malvern Town Council has raised the issue of Mr McDonough's early retirement with the district auditor, after protests from the council's critics that the matter was of public concern.

"The auditor didn't fall off his chair with shock when we showed him the figures," said Councillor David Williams, who handed over the Mayor's title to Coun Whinray Coates last week

Mr McDonough's replacement will be paid between £33,720 and £37,402 plus a qualification supplement.

A consultant from the Association of Larger Local Councils was asked to draft a job description for Malvern Town Council.

"He was recommended as the best person to set out the job specifications," said Mr McDonough.

"The council felt it needed expert advice."

According to the draft specification, the postholder will be expected to have a thorough understanding of local authority law, management and administration as well as excellent interpersonal skills.

He or she will be entitled to up to 33 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays.

Recruitment packs and application forms are to be made available at the council offices at 32 Church Street, Malvern.

A new clerk may not take up the position until October, the consultant believed.