INDEPENDENT group leader Gary Byrne was a lone voice of dissent at this evening's full meeting of the full council took place.

He spoke up as the council was informed that a new assistant director of housing had been appointed to replace Carol Hinvest, who is leaving the authority next month.

Cllr Byrne referred to the council's cash crisis and a reported jobs freeze at lower levels, saying: "Do we really have to replace staff at £110,000 a year?

"Why are we doing this?

"Should we not be mucking in and doing the job? That is what would have happened in the commercial world."

Cllr Mark Coxshall responded critically, by saying: "It's a really important role. There are some roles that are critical and this is a vital role.

"It's a shame Cllr Byrne didn't turn up to the interviews."