Hunt on to find new town clerk

Councillors will start advertising for someone to fill the important position after the previous clerk suddenly left.

Peter Welch was said by council chairman Cllr Paul English to have handed in a week's notice after he had requested an extended probation period.

"There was no animosity on either side," he explained.

"Mr Welch was on probation and his employment was not taken up.

"Everything was done legally and above board and the decision was made by the majority of the council. I wish Mr Welch well and I am sure he will get another job."

But one person connected with the council said: "About five or six people on the council feel Peter Welch has been treated disgustingly. He stood up to some of the councillors and they didn't like it."

Mr Welch began working for the council at its St Mary's Centre office on April 14 after his long-serving predecessor retired.

Mr Welch had experience as the clerk of Arundel Town Council. He has also been a member of Worthing Borough Council to add to his local government experience and was a JP.

He was on a three-month probation period with the parish council. He asked for this to be extended but, on October 7, councillors met in private to discuss Mr Welch's future.

But he was still taking the minutes at the regular council meeting on November 11. However, a further meeting was soon held behind closed doors at which councillors voted 6-5 to accept his departure.

Cllr English said: "It was a democratic decision by the council.

"Mr Welch has not been dismissed but he has not been taken on permanently either. He was a really nice guy and I am sure he will get another job."

Mr Welch was unavailable for comment.

The council's administrative work is currently being carried out by an office assistant.

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