A ROW has broken out over the appointment of a clerk for Darwen Town Council.

Sunnyhurst borough councillor Dave Hollings said the way Rebecca Hay was chosen was “outrageous”.

Ms Hay, who already works as a clerk to parishes in Pendle and Burnley, took up the position at the last town council meeting on December 1.

A decision was made not to advertise the position after Ms Hay had been highly recommended by the human resources department at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Coun Hollings said: “This is a public position and they haven’t advertised for it?

“For them just to have taken someone’s recommendation isn’t right.

“There could have been someone suitable in Darwen who didn’t hear about the job.

“It’s absolutely outrageous.”

The salary of the part-time position has not been made public.