IT is now just over four months since Swale Borough Council’s chief executive Mark Bilsborough was granted extended leave.

Mr Bilsborough, who earns £109,000 a year and has remained on full pay, has been absent from his Swale House desk since December 21.

He was originally granted a month’s compassionate leave.

Attempts by the Kent Messenger Group to reach Mr Bilsborough at his home have been unsuccessful.

Council leader Cllr Andrew Bowles (Con) also refused to comment this week when we contacted him to discuss the reasons for Mr Bilsborough’s extended leave.

The council is keen to stress, however, that Mr Bilsborough’s absence will not adversely affect the running of the council and the services it provides to people living in the borough.

Council spokesman Tessa Hallet said on Tuesday : “The situation is unchanged, although we are working to bring the matter, and the resulting costs, to a resolution as swiftly as possible.

“Senior managers are temporarily covering the work of the chief executive, and are considering the role of the returning officer at the elections next week.

“We are keeping the Audit Commission and Local Government Employers informed and senior council officers are in contact with the commission and the district auditor about the matter.”

The leaders of all three political parties were fully informed about the situation, she added.

Local Government Employers works with local authorities to help solve problems with pay, pensions and employment contracts.