Alicja Barnes has been given yet another contract by Hadleigh councillors, days after leaving her position at the town council.

This time 12 Magpies accountancy, solely owned by Ms Barnes, will be running the finances of the Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity, whose sole trustee is the town council.

Councillors last night agreed to hand 12 Magpies a three-month contract to fulfil the finance function of the charity for three hours per week, although could be less dependent on work required.

The contract, which starts today March 6, will pay Ms Barnes 12 Magpies company £35 an hour with an additional £450 to complete the year end accounts..

No other accountant, either from within Hadleigh, or further afield was considered for the role.

12 Magpies for wealth (Picture: Pixabay)

Although there is no suggestion the appointment, which follows the handing of other contracts to Ms Barnes, is illegal there have been accusations of cronyism among other allegations, which the council has not denied, despite constantly being given the opportunity to comment.

Currently the finance function of the charity is carried out by the town council's responsible financial officer (TFO) Wendy Brame who took over on March 1 following Ms Barnes' resignation.

However, Mrs Brame has admitted she has no capacity to carry out the finance function.

As the council, and the charity, are close to year end the recommendation was to engage the services of 12 Magpies Accountancy for continuity purposes until Mrs Brame has capacity to take on this work.