THE council leader said there is 'no cause for concern' after a delay in the publication of its annual accounts.

The statutory accounts for Maldon District Council were supposed to be delivered at the end of last month.

Members were poised for their final finance and corporate services committee before their release on July 30, however the meeting was mysteriously cancelled.

A 'special' committee is now pencilled in for August 29, where the council it is expected the council should deliver its latest report.

Adrian Fluker, leader of Maldon District Council played down any concerns about the lateness of the accounts, stating the council is "currently finalising them".

He said: “It is important that the accounts are thoroughly and diligently prepared.

"We are currently finalising them and we will be delaying the publication of accounts until they are complete.

"We do not believe that there is any cause for concern with our accounts, nor is it unusual to delay publication of the accounts and the Council is not penalised for doing so.”

Opposition leader, Mark Heard agreed with Mr Fluker's comments on the delivery of the accounts, saying: "I am not unduly concerned."

The delay has coincided with the departure of a key figure within Maldon District Council, the director of resources, Emma Foy.

Ms Foy came into the council in April 2017.

Her position was one of a trio of directors brought in at the council in 2015, which brought an annual saving of around £85,000 to the council.

Richard Holmes, the council's director of service delivery confirmed her departure, saying: “The Council can confirm that Ms Emma Foy has left her position as Director of Resources.

"We wish her every success in the future.”

Ms Foy's position currently remains officially vacant, with director of strategy, performance and governance, Paul Dodson taking up her additional role as the council's returning officer.

Mr Heard, although surprised by the quick exit of Ms Foy said he is confident there will be "no direct affect" on the council, despite her moving on.

He added: "Maldon District Council has engaged a very capable officer Kamal Mehta, who has worked for the authority before.

"He was interviewed last week and I was very impressed with his capabilities and plans for the district."