BURNLEY council's head of communications has quit after just a year in the post.

Gerry Crookes was appointed to the job last January after the Task Force report into the riots of 2001 recommended setting up a communications unit.

Ms Crookes opted for voluntary redundancy following a review of senior management posts which suggested her post as one which could be axed. Her redundancy has been agreed by council bosses.

Gillian Taylor, the chief executive, said: "I would like to thank Gerry on behalf of the council for her work during the last year and wish her well for the future."

The package of cuts could be confirmed by Burnley Council next week in a bid to streamline top jobs.

A recent review by external auditors highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the council, including the need for more consistent corporate working across the council, difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff and stretched staff and senior management resources.

Some posts, including the head of communications, head of regeneration and development and head of engineering services, are set to be axed while others could be created in a bid to improve the operation.

Jobs under threat are: director of administration, internal audit manager, benefits manager, local taxation manager, head of community and recreation services, head of communications, environmental health and cleansing manager, engineering services manager, head of regeneration and development , head of economic development and head of member and support services.

A new unit, performance and communications, would incorporate the communications unit.

A consultation process has taken place with senior managers and union representatives, including one-to-one meetings with staff directly affected.

Council bosses have stressed that the restructuring, first announced last November, will improve council performance, tackle weaknesses, give value for money and support the delivery of the council's strategic objectives.

Gerry Crookes was appointed head of a new communications unit last January after it was revealed the urgent Task Force recommendation had not been put in place nearly a year after it was suggested.

A final decision on the restructuring will be made at a meeting of the full council next Wednesday.