PETERSFIELDÕs town manager is to be paid by Hampshire County Council for his role in organising vital liaison with traders over the massive town centre improvement programme.
It is good news for Petersfield Marketing Limited which has already warned that the post of town manager could be at risk unless more cash can be found to fund the post.
Its three-year funding package with East Hampshire District Council, Petersfield Town Council and traders ends this month. And it is not yet known how much cash the councils will stump up next year.
Although the marketing group is beginning to receive an income from its licence to hold events in The Square, it will not be enough to finance a salary for the town manager
It said £24,000 was needed to keep the post, held by Steve Johnston who works for two days a week in the town. This includes cash to fund marketing projects.
The Petersfield Market Town Initiative has asked Petersfield Town Council for £20,500 next year including a grant for the cost of the Christmas lights.
On Monday night Petersfield county councillor John West told the town council HCCÕs director of environment had agreed to make a payment in recognition of Mr JohnstonÕs work for the county council during the improvements works. He said another payment would be made when the work was completed in Petersfield.
At a town council meeting last month Mr West praised Mr Johnston for his role in liaising with traders over the work schedule for town centre improvements.
"He has been extremely helpful in arranging meetings with traders and distributing newsletters."
And town and district councillor Bob Ayer speaking at an EHDC Central Area Community Committee recently, also paid tribute to the town manager's work.
"He is doing an extremely valuable job in acting as a conduit between the developers and the impacted businesses in Petersfield."