MORE than 140 council staff were granted early retirement this week in a bid to get out before the cuts.

A marathon session of the borough's premature retirement sub-committee on Wednesday saw dozens of applications from staff considered. Chairman Coun Paul Nesbit said: "It was one of the saddest days of my council career. It was like the first death knell sounding of these terrible cuts."

Some 141 out of 143 applications were granted by the sub-committee. Many jobs will go forever, with others making space for redeployment from other areas in the council.

"All these people are in their 50s, and many have 20 years-plus of service to the council," said Coun Nesbit.

"It's a great loss to the council and the community we serve."

He added: "This is just the first bunch - there are plenty more to come."

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