THE business that took over the running of Farnham Castle four months ago is to part company with the man who has been at the helm over the transition.

Phil Hackett served as chief executive with the former operators, Farnham Castle Briefings Ltd, who went into administration as a going concern in July.

He moved across to fill the same role in the new management team of Farnham Castle Operations Ltd when they acquired the assets of the former company.

He surprised some former connections last November when, during a talk to a residents' association, he revealed that he had planned for about a year for the castle to go into administration, enabling its debt to be wiped.

A press release sent last Wednesday by Galloping Gourmet Ltd, which has a service agreement with Farnham Castle Operations Ltd to manage the provision of hospitality related services at Farnham Castle, said Mr Hackett would be stepping down with immediate effect.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.