East Lindsey District Council is located in Louth

In March this year a critical report from the Audit Commission described leadership of the authority as "weak".

Chief executive Paul Haigh, planning director Steve Williamson and finance director Bob Whetton have all opted to take early retirement.

Council leader Jeremy Webb has praised them saying they were simply leaving to allow "new blood" to take over.

'New blood'

Their exact retirement date and package have not been revealed.

The Audit Commission report also said the council lacked "strategic vision".

An East Lindsey council statement quoted Paul Haigh as saying: "I still enjoy my work but I would sooner give the new council the opportunity to make the changes they feel necessary - with the team they want to deliver it."

Mr Webb said: "The council is in a period of great change and the councillors have decided to change the council's direction.

"We have worked with these three men extremely well and we have had a great many successes," he said.

Mr Webb said the fact they are leaving at the same time is a coincidence - they came to the authority 10 or 12 years ago faced with a big challenge and they have done it extremely well.

"They have put a huge amount of effort and energy into their work - but they thought it was time to let new blood take over."