Aerial view of Exmouth Ref: 23-05-0043SH

A new town manager for Exmouth will not be appointed in the near future, town councillors have decided.

Since previous town manager Tony Collins left the role last year, the position has been vacant, with money allocated for a replacement in the council’s budget.

However, following consultation with businesses, councillors have decided to delay any appointment, as they are not yet clear on the best way forward for town management.

Town clerk Colin Poole said: “There was discussion about whether or not we wanted to simply replace the [town manager] role or do something different.

“In the end the decision was to delay any decision about recruiting somebody because there’s not clear evidence that’s the right post.”

Mr Poole says the town management issue will not be looked at again for at least six months.

He also said that there were no plans to revisit the controversial Business Improvement District (BID) plan, which councillors agreed to pause in January.

“A BID is supposed to be led by local businesses, and they showed they didn’t want it, so until and unless they change their minds it’s off the agenda.”