Delight over new town clerk

The appointment of a clerk to Ludlow Town Council heralds a new era for the authority, according to town mayor Marie Glaze, who said she was delighted that Linda Thomas had started work.

Mrs Thomas started in her new job yesterday, having left her previous position at Knutsford Town Council in Cheshire.

Mrs Glaze said: "It's a new era, a new start.

"Mrs Thomas is a lovely lady and I'm sure she'll do well for the town. We're delighted to have her here with us. I've spent time with her and I'll be calling in to see her again."

Mrs Thomas's appointment follows the departure of former clerk Paul Russell, who received a £20,000 pay-out following an altercation with councillor Tony Pound.

Mr Russell's departure came during a stormy period in the council's history, with a number of councillors being reported to the Standards Board and numerous internal disputes.

Mrs Glaze said the town's troubles were in the past and Mrs Thomas would have the support of all councillors.

The new clerk said she was looking forward to working in Ludlow.

She said started working in local government in the 1970s and was an expert in education and finance.

She said: "I'm delighted to be here at Ludlow."

Mrs Thomas also praised Richard Walden, the interim clerk who covered following Mr Russell's departure.

"I couldn't ask for a better person than Richard to take over from," she said. "He's set in place good procedures and policies."