Wadebridge taxpayers foot the bill but kept in the dark over compensation payout

Wadebridge Town Council has been forced to pay an undisclosed sum of taxpayers' money to its former town clerk reported Emma Wherry in the Cornish Guardian this week.

The council was ordered to pay Elizabeth Banfield compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she was unfairly sacked.

Councillors said this week that they had reached a settlement with Mrs Banfield but, due to a confidentiality clause, the sum will remain undisclosed.

Mrs Banfield, who earned about £40,000 per year, worked for the town council for 12 years and was sacked in 2009 over the installation of a £320 shower in June.

She claimed she was unfairly dismissed, and a tribunal sitting earlier, upheld her appeal and criticised the town council.

In the reserved judgement, Judge Michael Griffiths said: "The investigation was triggered by the bad motive of an employee of the council who had, for unknown reasons, a grudge to bear against the claimant (Mrs Banfield)."

Mrs Banfield had told the tribunal the town council's staff had "stabbed her in the back" in order to cover their own. Mrs Banfield lost her job after she allegedly gave permission for a shower to be installed in the dressing room in the town hall, which she thought was being given for free.

It has taken many months for the council to reach an agreement and with legal costs it is expected that the bill runs into tens of thousands of pounds.

A Wadebridge Town Council spokesman said: "Further to the dismissal of Elizabeth Banfield from the position of Wadebridge town clerk in June 2009 and the subsequent tribunal hearing the town council has reached a settlement with Mrs Banfield.

"The council has made provision for any potential settlement by prudently managing its affairs and it will not impact on any figures that are proposed for the forthcoming precept." The spokesman added: "The council trust they will have the support of all local residents."

Mrs Banfield said: "I have agreed to a confidentiality agreement and am therefore unable to discuss what has been paid to me by the town council from taxpayers' money as a result of the employment tribunal brought about by the vexatious behaviour of a member of staff and a couple of members of the town council.

"I am satisfied with the outcome and more than happy to put Wadebridge Town Council behind me. I have a lovely job with St Columb Major Town Council and am getting on with my life. I would like, once more, through this newspaper, to thank the many people who have given me their support throughout the last 18 months."

Since the clerk's dismissal many residents have been angered by the prospect of taxpayers' money being spent in compensation.

Do you think the payout should be kept secret? Is there a reason why the people of Wadebridge should not be told what their taxes are paying for? Let Wadebridge People know your views.