Worthing Borough Council's money-saving staff shake-up could cost taxpayers nearly £350,000, we can reveal today.

Worthing Borough Council is making three long-serving departmental heads redundant and replacing them with two strategic directors.

Leaked confidential documents reveal the staffing changes and the trio's redundancy packages could cost up to £346,000.

Borough treasurer Colin Smith, director of community services Hywel Griffiths and planning director Tony Clarke have worked at the council for more than 70 years between them.

One council insider said: "Taxpayers will be flabbergasted and in total disbelief that their money is being used in this way.

"It's ridiculous to spend this on staff changes, if they are needed at all."

Conservative councillor John Livermore is angry the payments are not being officially revealed.

He said: "I think it's outrageous the general public is not being allowed to know the total costs of the restructuring within the town hall.

"This, after all, is council taxpayers' money. They are spending the money without taxpayers being able to question what they are doing."

Leader of the council Sheila Player said she could not comment but insisted the staffing changes would result in a net revenue saving over five years.

In an earlier written statement on the changes, she said: "It is sad to see three chief officers leaving the council after so many years' excellent, loyal service.

"However, the officers concerned fully appreciate the need for and support the revised structure and proposals."

The shake-up is being carried out in an effort to bring the authority into line with the Government's modernisation agenda, provide more flexibility and assist in the future management and development of the town.

Tory leader Brian Lynn said: "These are the figures and there is no room for discussion. It is not a case of the officers getting what is over and above what they are entitled to.

"It's a lot of money on the face of it. It is the only way this particular re-organisation is going to take place and there are quite considerable savings to be made from it."