Castle Point's council boss was behind his desk today despite hinting he was set to resign.

Chief executive Barry Rollinson told the Evening Echo it was "a possibility" he could resign from the post.

Deputy council leader Colin Riley today insisted it was too early to say whether Mr Rollinson would resign.

Mr Riley confirmed speculation a Government inspector was at the council building in Thundersley last Monday.

A meeting was held with the heads of all council departments - housing, leisure, planning, IT, central services and the chief executive's office - to discuss a battle plan to turn the council's fortunes around.

Mr Riley said: "It's early doors at the moment. Let's see what the report says.

"But nothing was agreed. The inspector was going to report back to her minister."

Mr Riley said the council now had to come up with a "recovery plan".

At the end of July, the Audit Commission filed a report slating the council as "poor", crediting it with just two main strengths, but five major areas for improvement.

Published Monday August 23, 2004

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