A PART-time post nearly led to a full scale row at a meeting of Dawlish Town Council's Finance and General Purposes Committee last Thursday.

For although town clerk, John Winchester, explained there was only a 'minimal' difference in cost between employing temporary and permanent staff which could be met by the existing budget, two members were unhappy about the cost.

And Cllr June Collis, while apologising for being blunt, said that employing a third person would mean tidying up in the town clerk's office.

'The space in there now – can I be pretty bold – is pretty chaotic,' she said.

Soon the cash office would be available and she wondered if any thought had been given to that.

Mr Winchester said there was 'an ergonomic plan' to sort out the office.

Even if the committee made a resolution that evening, the job wouldn't happen for eight to 12 weeks. 'There is a fairly slow process for recruitment which I'm sure everybody understands.'

Cllr Graham Hessé, the mayor, asked if it wouldn't be sensible to wait until the space was available. 'If you crowd in three it's not going to be efficient and will make it very difficult for some people.'

But Mr Winchester warned that costs would increase. 'If you are going to do it, do it,' he said, pointing out that it would be an opportunity for someone to learn what was a multi faceted post.

Cllr Hazel Percy suggested going ahead as soon as possible but Cllr John Clatworthy said he had certain reservations. Having been knocking on doors he said people were greatly concerned about costs.

He claimed that the decision should be left for the new council. 'You're burdening the next council with a decision they can do nothing about,' he said.

The council had moved from employing two people in the office for three days a week to five days and he was concerned that the extra time was being used properly.

'This is an additional cost and people are concerned what they are getting for it.'

But Cllr John Anthony, chairman of the committee, warned members that either they wanted a professional council doing a professional job or they didn't.

Cllr Val Jeffery said she wasn't happy about the appointment and shared Cllr Clatworthy's concerns.

The staff hours had already been increased and she was concerned at being asked for extra when the council was barely 'in the swing' of a 37-hour week.

'It means we have less money available for other things,' she said.

The £91 a week appointment was approved by 10 votes to three with one abstention.