A PUBLIC servant has emerged as the central figure at a council after the fourth major reorganisation in little over a decade.

Mike Clark, will receive a pay rise of £10,000 to earn £79,000 a year after taking charge of more services at Derwentside District Council.

Mr Clark, who was already director of public services and had jurisdiction over housing, leisure and service areas, will now also be in charge of information technology and paid services.

He will replace Alan Hodgson, who has taken up a new post at Durham County Council but will continue to work for Derwentside council as a consultant.

Savings made from Mr Hodgson's salary, which was more than £60,000, will go on pay increases and other appointments.

Unlike other authorities, Derwentside council has three directors rather than a chief executive

Mr Clark will not be a chief executive but will have the title of general manager. The third director, Keith Robinson, will remain in charge of resources.

Council leader Alex Watson, said: "This is not going to cost the tax-payer an extra penny.

"The District Audit was consulted all the way through and were happy that we did not have to advertise for the position.

"Our staff were kept informed of what was going on."

Other cost-cutting reorganisations at the council took place in 1989, 1996 and 1999.