Worthing has a new team at the top in the town hall.

The municipal shake-up, described as a quantum leap by borough council leader Sheila Player, followed the departure of senior officers Colin Smith, Hywel Griffiths and Tony Clarke.

They have been replaced by a "streamlined" strategic senior management team which has been appointed following a review of the council's management structures during the past few months.

The council's chief executive Sheryl Grady is joined by Alan Smith, director of resources, and Tim Everett, director of services.

Miss Grady has been in her post since 2000, when she took over from Michael Ball. Prior to that she was the head of legal services and assistant chief executive for seven years She joined the council from Brighton Borough Council where she was assistant borough secretary.

She has been a qualified solicitor for 23 years and is a member of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, the Law Society and the Worthing Law Society.

Prior to entering local government she worked in private practice in the City.

Mr Smith, who has a background in finance, has come from neighbouring Adur District Council where he was director of corporate services.

He is presently chairman of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Home Counties Section.

Mr Smith, a West Ham United supporter, has lived in Worthing for 20 years and was a keen football player until a series of injuries put paid to his career.

Mr Everett was the executive head of public protection for the London Borough of Sutton and has a background in environmental health and housing.

He has a long connection with the borough as he was brought up in the town and went to the old Worthing High School for Boys.

As a long-term cricket fan he helped form a local side which is still going strong.

A team of ten assistant directors supports the chief officers' team.