THE long delay in filling Darlington Borough Council's head of arts vacancy may be about to come to an end.

With Government pressure growing on the local authority to have an arts strategy in place by the end of the year, a job advertisement for the post is likely to be issued at the end of this month.

Council spokesman Steve Jones said that anyone who replaces Peter Cutchie, who left last December, may not be able to take charge until the autumn of 2002.

It could take two months to select the right candidate, who is likely to have a three-month notice period.

"We are hoping to shorten this process. A consultant has spent three months looking at the nitty-gritty of where we want to go with the arts. The appointment will be a key decision," he said.

The consultant's report is being considered by Steve Thompson, assistant director for leisure and the arts, and Cliff Brown, director of Community Services.

Councillor Dorothy Long, the cabinet member for leisure, is likely to have a strong say in the future role of the head of arts.

Mr Jones denied rumours that the delay in appointing Mr Cutchie's replacement and operating arts services without a press officer or visual arts officer was a money-saving exercise.

"We have a 500-page document to study for recommendations, but I can tell you that by the end of this month there will be an advertisement for the post of whoever we believe will be the right person to lead the arts," said Mr Jones.