A total of thirty people applied for the job of Harleston town clerk including two candidates from Germany and Poland.

A total of thirty people applied for the job of Harleston town clerk including two candidates from Germany and Poland.

The town council advertised the post last month at an annual salary of between �26,254 - �28,359, with the vacancy receiving international publicity on the internet.

A shortlist was drawn up and interviews have been taking place this week.

Council chairman Sue Kuzmic said: 'There were some really good quality applicants and we are seeing eight people. We are doing something unusual for us in having a residents' panel as well as a town council so we are having two stages.

'We want to try and get residents involved and, hopefully, we can get the best person for the town.'

The council found itself on the brink of bankruptcy last year when it emerged it would be �65,000 in the red by January if it continued at the current rate. As a result, the local parish precept has been set at �295,000 for the coming year, an increase of 207.28per cent which is the highest in the district, adding to the overall council tax burden for householders in Harleston and neighbouring Redenhall.

The new town clerk will face a 'challenging role' in bringing the council's statutory financial, administrative, and operating procedures up to date and to then move matters forward in a professional and pro-active manner.

The town council is pressing ahead with plans to take over responsibility for Harleston's public car parks from South Norfolk Council to ensure free parking continues. The terms of the lease and financial details are currently being finalised. A special meeting of the town council will then be held with a view to signing the agreement.