FORMER commercial manager Phil Rice who has lived in the town for 18 years, has been appointed as Malmesbury's new town clerk.

Following the extended sick leave and retirement of former clerk Edward Ferguson, Mr Rice hopes that his appointment can draw a line under the problems of the past.

Mr Rice worked as a commercial finance manager for many years, and now wants to do something for his community.

He said: "I have lived in Malmesbury for a number of years.

"My wife runs a business here and both my children went through Malmesbury School, so I wanted to do something in the town.

"I am looking forward to starting as the clerk. I think my financial and accounting experience will stand me in good stead for the council finances.

"I also think that coming from a business background I may be able to make some suggestions to make the council both more efficient and more transparent in its dealings with the public."

Since being made redundant last year, Mr Rice has worked as a consultant for local security firm Wansdyke.

He has also been active in the community, especially in the Malmesbury Youth Football group, which he set up.

He has also helped out with the Malmesbury Jackdaw newsletter.

He said: "I first moved here 18 years ago and my first impression was how friendly and welcoming the people were. My family and I have got a lot out of Malmesbury so I think it is time to put something back.

"I look forward to working with the councillors to make Malmesbury an even better place to live."

Mr Rice begins work at the town hall at the end of this week, taking over from Edward Ferguson.

Mr Ferguson left last month after a series of bitter battles with councillors culminating in him making a complaint to the local government ombudsman.

The row began between Mr Ferguson and former mayor Charles Vernon at the beginning of Coun Vernon's mayoral term when the Malmesbury newcomer made it clear he was not going to be bound by tradition.

Relations deteriorated between the two men until Mr Ferguson was signed off work with stress in February.

Mr Ferguson later went to the local government ombudsman with complaints of harassment, discrimination and interrogation.

In the end the ombudsman decided not to investigate Mr Ferguson's claim.

Mr Ferguson resigned after a six- month absence with stress-related illness.

In his resignation letter Mr Ferguson said: "My one regret is to see some new members display a lack of professionalism, skill or knowledge and the inability to distinguish between what is legally and morally right.

"There are I would suggest two ways to assist the newer members and that is to give them local council training, with appropriate funding, and finally to ensure that Malmesbury electors attend local elections and vote for candidates who are objective and truly representative of the town."

Malmesbury Mayor Patrick Goldstone said: "I am very pleased that Phil has been appointed, and I would like to welcome him to the position.

"I think he will do an excellent job. he has lived in the town for a long time, he knows it well and is very involved with local activities.

"I am very much looking forward to working with him.

"I think he will bring a fresh eye to the job, and has valuable business experience. I hope that his appointment will draw a line under all that happened with Edward Ferguson. I am certainly going to do so and I hope others will do the same. I am very optimistic about the future."