National park's chief exec leaves

The Brecon Beacons National Park has said it is tackling its problems

The chief executive of Brecon Beacons National Park has left his post following an inquiry into the way the authority is managed.

The national park said Chris Gledhill, who had been suspended since September, left to "pursue a new career".

Powys councillor John Morris, who has been critical of the authority, said it was in the public interest to know if Mr Gledhill resigned or was sacked.

The park's planning department has been heavily criticised in recent months.

They are a public body and Mary Taylor has stated they want to be transparent...it's in the public interest Councillor John Morris

In a statement, park chairman Mary Taylor "confirmed that with effect from 2 December 2008, the former chief executive Mr Christopher Gledhill has left the employment of the national park authority to pursue a new career.

"In the interim period, Mr John Cook will continue as acting chief executive until a permanent replacement is appointed."

However, cllr John Morris, whose Crickhowell ward on Powys council is in the national park, said people should know the details of Mr Gledhill's departure.

He added: "They [the park] are a public body and Mary Taylor has stated they want to be transparent, so I suppose we should know.

"It's in the public interest."

The national park, and particularly its planning department, has been heavily criticised in recent months.

Earlier this year, an inquiry found "serious failings" with a planning application for a caravan park at Gilestone Farm in Talybont-on-Usk, near Brecon.

The problems led to calls from local AM Kirsty Williams and cllr Morris for park managers to stand down.

Mr Gledhill, who had been chief executive since 2001, was suspended at an extraordinary general meeting in September, when the leadership of the authority was under investigation.

Critical friend

Ms Williams welcomed the latest development.

She said: "I am glad that the uncertain position of the national park's leadership has now come to an end.

"The park's management has been under great scrutiny for some time, particularly following the damning Gilestone report, and I am pleased that we now have some forward movement."

The Welsh Assembly Government has also urged the park to make changes.

In March, it was influential in the appointment of a so-called "critical friend" to advise the park about the future of its planning services.

Officials have taken steps to improve the planning department, and have said they are taking action to address issues with Gilestone Farm.