COUNCIL bosses are drafting in outside help to fill a senior vacancy.

The authority's head of legal, democratic, digital and customer services has resigned and a national network for local government professionals has been brought in to assist with finding a replacement.

A report prepared for councillors by officials said: “This post encompasses the role as the council’s monitoring officer and clerk to the licensing board, statutory posts that all local authorities must have.

“There is a need to commence this recruitment process promptly.

"In addition, it is understood that there are currently challenges in recruiting to senior specialist local authority posts such as this.

"The council has itself experienced such issues recently.

“Given this, it is recommended that the council appoint Solace to assist in the recruitment exercise for this post.”