A COUNCIL is to remain without a permanent director of children’s services after a candidate turned down the vacancy.

An interim director of children’s services at North Yorkshire County Council has had to be designated to fill the senior position while another candidate is found.

Speaking at the council meeting at County Hall in Northallerton today (Wednesday, December 19) council leader John Weighell said: “We found out just last Monday week that the person who had accepted the job declined to accept so we’re now back to square one. I’m somewhat irritated.

“I think it’s extremely bad form that a senior officer should do that.”