ABERYSTWYTH Town Council is to spend thousands of pounds appointing a deputy clerk, to help with an “increased workload and responsibilities”.

The town council already has a clerk and has never before had a deputy clerk.

But the council is now seeking someone to fill the role, working 30 hours a week with a pro rata salary of just under £24,000.

The successful applicant would also become the deputy responsible financial officer.

A job advertisement says the role requires the deputy clerk to cover administrative and financial duties, as well as attend evening meetings on a Monday and to cover for clerk Gweneira Raw-Rees when necessary.

The town council will meet the cost of the new role from its budget, which is raised through the council tax precept on town residents.

Aberystwyth Town Council’s precept is the highest of any Ceredigion community council.

The Band D annual bill is just under £90, which is almost double the precept of town councils in Cardigan and Lampeter and significantly higher than the second highest precept in Ceredigion, Aberaeron Town Council which charges just under £52.

As well as the administration and financial duties, the deputy clerk would also be expected to assist in ensuring the town council meets requirements in terms of IT, estates management of things such as playgrounds, parks, allotments and the town council’s office, and that health and safety regulations are complied with.

See this week’s Aberystwyth paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now