PROTESTORS are calling for a poll, which could cost as much as £25,000, to change a council officer’s role.

Residents of Ferryhill want a public vote on whether the job title of Ferryhill Town Council’s executive officer, Jamie Corrigan, should be changed to town clerk.

A 21-name petition has been submitted to the town council, to be discussed at next month’s annual town meeting.

The petition proposes that Ferryhill Town Council abolishes the position of executive officer and returns to having a clerk and clerical assistance.

Supporters believe the move would give residents a greater influence on how funds are spent. But opponents believe it would only amount to a change of job title and be a waste of money.

One of the petitioners, Ronnie Beal, said: “I am not happy with the town council.

“A third of the council’s money goes on wages. That seems ridiculous.

“I would rather see more of it spent on improving the town, and hope this petition will bring about change.”

If ten electors or a third of those present at the annual town meeting back the proposal, the vote will take place.

Parish polls, run in a similar way to elections, with polling stations, are meant to test public views, and their results are not legally binding.

The estimated cost is £8,000 to £25,000, to pay for staff and venue hire.

Councillor Bernie Lamb, a Labour member of Ferryhill Town Council for 18 years, accused the Ferryhill Association for Independent Representation (Fair) group of instigating the petition.

He said: “For two years, it seems the Fair party have been leading a witch hunt against council staff.”

Councillor Brian Gibson, a founder member of Fair, insisted the group was not behind the petition.

It is understood Dave Watson, who unsuccessfully stood as a Fair candidate in the town council election in 2007, submitted it.

He was unavailable to comment at the weekend, but his daughter Angela, who signed the petition, said: “We want people in Ferryhill to have more say about how our tax is spent. I do not think the town council is doing enough for the town, and hope this would set about the changes needed.”