THE chief of the Prestwich area board has quit after just a few weeks - to go back home.

Kevin Durkin was appointed to the £25,000-a-year post as area co-ordinator, and has steered the committee through just one meeting, its first, held last month.

The Guide has learned that Mr Durkin, who came to Bury from Blackburn Council where he worked as a member services manager, is to return to take up his old job on better terms.

Bosses at Bury Town Hall are today, October 15, interviewing for a replacement, from names which they kept on a reserve list. They say that Mr Durkin's departure will not affect the running of the board.

Coun Paul Nesbit, board chairman, said: "If he's not happy, it's better we know and let him go now before we really get started, rather than six months down the line leaving projects up in the air."

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