THE man who was appointed the first of Wirral Council’s “super-directors” has been allowed to take voluntary severance.

A closed doors meeting of the appointments panel last night accepted the request from Kevin Adderley - Wirral’s strategic director for regeneration and environment.

He had held the post since November 2012.

His role was heralded at the time by the then chief executive Graham Burgess as "playing a vital part in transforming the authority by providing additional strategic leadership capacity and helping to lead and deliver the council’s improvement plan."

The current town hall chief Eric Robinson said today: "Kevin joined Wirral Council as director of development in 2005.

"He was appointed to his current post in 2012 and in his time at Wirral has helped secure jobs and investment for the borough.

"We wish him well for the future."

Mr Adderley was credited with playing a major part in bringing the Open Golf tournament back to Wirral in 2006 and 2014.

He has also been a signifcant figure in the multi-billion pound dockland regeneration project "Wirral Waters."

His role involved him making overseas trips on council missions to various far-flung destinations.

Together with council leader Phil Davies, Mr Burgess, Contact Company chief executive Asif Hamid and former tourism boss Emma Degg he made the long-haul flight to China at the end of August 2013 to investigate trade and educational links.

Last December he travelled with Cllr Davies and local chamber of commerce delegates to Reno in Nevada to explore twinning the town with Wirral.

He said at the time: “Reno is obviously known for gambling and divorces but it’s a city that is very much on the up, seen to be the next Silicon Valley."

He added that the visit would bring “rewards for Wirral in the future."

Details of a financial settlement for Mr Adderley have not been disclosed.

A town hall representative said: "The offer of a severance payment is open to all employees who have two years or more continuous service.

"All payments made are in line with our agreed and published voluntary redundancy scheme.

"Details of all severance payments are a matter between the council and the individual."