FRODSHAM town clerk Kate Dodgson is quitting the post after just four months to focus on leading an ambitious drive to boost Frodsham’s fortunes as the community’s new Town Champion.
A self-professed “workaholic”, Mrs Dodgson initially planned to hold down both jobs.
But after being appointed Town Champion last month, the 37-year-old former lawyer and glass artist, who lives in Frodsham, has now tendered her resignation as clerk to the town council.
She said: “It would have been feasible to fulfil both roles if the town clerk was truly a part-time job. I’m contracted to work 27 hours a week, but I’ve been doing way in excess of that.
“There are only so many hours in the day, and I feel it will be best all round if I concentrate on the Town Champion role.”
After landing the pivotal new role – with a negotiable salary of up to £35,000 jointly funded for the next two years by Cheshire West and Cheshire and Frodsham Town Councils and beating off competition from more than 20 other candidates – Mrs Dodgson is now charged with maximising existing and potential resources and revitalising Frodsham’s business and leisure facilities to make the town centre, especially, more attractive to residents and visitors.
She is currently helping to establish Frodsham Foundation – a new social enterprise company backed by the town council, CWaC and independent business group Love Frodsham – which she will head up as chief executive.
Mrs Dodgson, said: “The Town Champion’s hours are not stipulated so I can work as many hours as I want, which suits my personality better.
“I know some people will instantly draw the conclusion that I’m leaving the town clerk role because I’ve got the Town Champion job, but my reasons are private and confidential and it’s all very amicable.”
Town council chairman, Cllr Mark Warren, said: “We are all very sorry to lose Kate as town clerk, but we are also very excited by the prospect of her being in another position on the town team and I think that will be a very good thing for Frodsham.”
