Mystery as Whitchurch Town Council clerk no longer at his post

Whitchurch Town Council's clerk has been suspended following a behind closed doors staffing committee meeting, a former town mayor said today.

Mystery surrounds the apparent sudden departure of Peter Martin following the meeting.

Senior figures at the town council, including mayor Councillor Peggy Mullock and deputy mayor Rob Hewson, have so far refused to comment on the situation.

But retired town councillor and former mayor Peter today said that Mr Martin had been suspended.

He said: "I have been reliably informed that the town clerk has been suspended and I know he hasn't been at work."

He added it was 'mystifying' why Mr Martin, who has been in the job for about five years, had been apparently suspended from his post.

Geoff Handley, who has been working closely with the town council in his capacity as Whitchurch Farmers' Market organiser, said: "I have had to work quite closely with the civic centre staff for the market I run so I have worked with Peter Martin and the caretakers.

"Last week I went in and couldn't find him anywhere. The other staff seemed angry and they wouldn't tell me what was going on.

"Then I heard there had been a councillors' meeting about Peter Martin.

"We all know he has been suspended. As a resident of the town this is being done in our name and we are going to pick up the bill. I'm appalled and I want him back in post."

Mr Martin was unavailable for comment today.