THE chief executive of North Wiltshire District Council has been told to retire.

Bob Marshall, who joined the local authority in 1995, has learned this week that he will not have his current contract renewed following his appraisal.

The Chippenham-based council issued a joint statement from council leader Coun Ruth Coleman and Conservative group leader Coun Toby Sturgis.

It read: "The Appraisal Group has conducted the chief executive's appraisal and as a result is minded not to renew his current contract.

As a result of the need to move forward for the future we will be recommending 'Retirement in the interests of efficiency of service' by

September 30, 2005."

The recommendation will now go before the council's Personnel and Licensing Committee on March 7 and subject to approval will be presented to full council on April 26.