THE chief officer responsible for the financial department of Bromsgrove District Council has resigned.

Andrew Fisher, director of financial services has worked for the council since 1979 and has been promoted throughout that period.

He became chief accountant before subsequently taking up his current position in 2000.

Mr Fisher, aged 52, has asked the council to release his accrued pension benefits built up over the 32 years he spent in local government service and the council has agreed to do so.

However, it will not make any enhancement.

District councillor and cabinet member responsible for finance Cllr Craig Lanham (Con-Stoke Heath) said: "Andrew has worked with me and my predecessor in managing to council's financial resources over the past three years.

"He has managed the team through a difficult period and we thank him for his services to the council.

"Andrew has given the majority of his working life to Bromsgrove and has shown loyalty and dedication to the council throughout his tenure in office. We wish him well in the future."

However, Labour leader of the opposition Cllr McDonald demanded a public enquiry into the departure of Mr Fisher at the full council meeting last Tuesday night.

But leader of the district council Cllr Dennis Norton (Con-St John's) said: "The council has undergone some intense scrutiny in the last couple of months and has some important challenges to meet in the near future.

"I shall be working with my colleagues to review the structure in staffing to ensure that we are in the best possible position to continue to meet the expectations of the district to the fullest extent."