Beadle’s about - but not for much longer as Wisbech Town Council decide to axe the role

Mayor and Mayoress Jonathan and Susanah Farmer together with the Beadle, Alister Hopkins at the Wisbech Christmas Market (Image: Archant)

Under proposals considered by the staff committee and agreed at full council, Alister Hopkins will leave his post and not be replaced.

The council says they have held talks with Mr Hopkins “and such an arrangement would suit his circumstances and result in savings of the order of £16,000 per annum” He was employed for 30 hours a week.

The council says that when a mace bearer is required in future it “could be provided on an as ‘as and when’ basis rather than by a permanent member of staff.”

Other changes announced by the council including the appointment of Terry Jordan, currently acting town clerk, to the position on a permanent basis but with his hours reduced.

Mr Jordan was appointed recently as locum to replace sacked town clerk Erbie Murat, who is awaiting an employment hearing to adjudicate on his dismissal.

The town council says it has “refreshed” the clerk’s job description and Mr Jordan will focus on legal, constitutional and strategic issues only. Salary savings are estimated at £10,000 a year.

The full time post of deputy clerk, held by Susanah Farmer, the wife of town councillor and former mayor Jonathan Farmer, is to be changed to that of operations manager.

“The title reflects more accurately the role which needs to be performed in the delivery of services to the community,” said the council.

Another role, that of asset supervisor and held by Michael South, will be changed to that of assets manager and the weekly hours increased from 20 to 30 hours.

The council also agreed that Tracy Bidwell-Hazell, administrative assistant, would become administrator “to reflect more accurately the work carried out by the post holder”.