A MEMBER of South Lakeland District Council's management team is leaving her post for a new job in Hampshire.

Sue Barton joined SLDC three years ago in May as director of environment and housing.

Since April 1 last year, she has been director of strategy and planning for the authority and a member of the four-strong management team.

Her final day at SLDC was today (Friday, June 4) and she is heading for Hart District Council in North Hampshire.

Mrs Barton has recently held overall responsibility for building control, development control, economy and development, housing strategy, policy group and IT at SLDC.

She said: "I will be sad to leave South Lakeland. It's not so much the lovely scenery although that speaks for itself, but the people. I have had many happy times here and made lots of good friends whom I hope I will keep for the future.

"I especially remember my arrival at the council when everyone was so welcoming and hospitable to an off-comer from the south. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the people that I haven't had the chance to speak to personally."

Mrs Barton said she was leaving the post to begin one as corporate director with Hart District Council.

She explained: "I am leaving ahead of the referendum on the future of local government in the North West to protect my career prospects. I will be watching the outcome with interest and hoping that South Lakeland will have a long and successful future. I've already got the Gazette's web site saved as a favourite."

She added: "Times change and I am now looking forward to joining Hart District Council and working on new issues, but also some familiar ones such as how to increase recycling."

A council spokesman said Mrs Barton's post would not be filled immediately but was under review.

During her last week with the council, Mrs Barton stood in for acting chief executive Mike Jones who was on annual leave.

Mr Jones, director of customer services, was temporarily appointed to the role of acting head of paid services following the suspension of three senior officers.

Council leader Colin Hodgson reassured ratepayers that despite the suspensions and the departure of Mrs Barton, the council had taken measures to cover the absences.

He said in a statement that the council had made arrangements to provide cover for Mrs Barton, who has stated that recent events had nothing to do with her departure.

Coun Hodgson said: "I am confident that the council is being managed efficiently and effectively. In consultation with the acting chief executive, I am regularly reviewing the managerial arrangements to ensure that this continues."

He added: "We have recently recruited three temporary officers through professional recruitment agencies.

"They will be covering the duties associated with the forthcoming election, legal work and the work currently undertaken by Sue Barton.

"In addition, the role of the five assistant directors has been enhanced to ensure that effective service delivery continues.

"All these appointments have been made on a short-term interim basis and their input will be reviewed and adjusted as appropriate."