Concern over absence (From Gazette Series)

Concern over absence

STROUD District Council has announced it is to review the position of its director of corporate services.

Last night councillors discussed the issue at a meeting following advice that they must bring an end to the makeshift cover for Martyn Harwood, the director of corporate services who has been on sick leave for more than a year and a half.

His post carries the responsibility of running the council's accounts.

A spokesman for Stroud District Council said: "The council is obliged in law to make arrangements for the proper administration of its financial affairs and to appoint an officer with responsibility for the administration of its financial affairs.

"With the continued absence of the director of corporate services, the council has been advised that it must review the position and will do so at its meeting on October 14."

Council media officer Dave Marshall confirmed that a new director of corporate services was being sought but added that Mr Harwood was not being taken off the council payroll.

He added that the relevant paperwork for last night's council meeting had been classified as exempt because of its reference to an individual staff member. As a consequence it was expected that the public and press would be asked to leave the council chamber when the matter came to be discussed.

Mr Harwood, who has worked for the council for almost 20 years, has always declined to comment about his continued absence from work.

Earlier this year calls were made by Stroud town councillors for action to be taken over the situation.