EXPERT consultants have been brought in to help plug the gaps at troubled South Lakeland District Council reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

It has emerged that one of the three senior officers suspended during the crisis has quit the authority.

As the council continues to deal with the consequences of a predicted £1 million budget shortfall, it was divulged that three expert consultants were being employed at an undisclosed rate to help with financial and legal issues, and with specialist local government knowledge.

It is understood each consultant could be costing hundreds of pounds a day.

Meanwhile, staff were informed by e-mail that Andrew Taylor, the human resources manager, and an SLDC employee of 25 years standing, had resigned.

Mr Taylor told the Gazette this week that he was not able to comment.

Clcik on News - Focus for the full story.