A UNION official is urging councillors not to let a suspended town council clerk return to work until "significant issues" are resolved.

Sue Fraser, the chief executive officer and town clerk for Northallerton, was suspended from her role on March 3.

Town councillors are meeting this week to consider whether she should return to work.

However, an email to councillors from an officer of public services union UNISON, seen by The Northern Echo, warns there are still outstanding issues.

Stella Smethurst, Service Conditions Officer for Unison, says in the email she represents three members of staff employed by the town council who she claims "have significant issues with the clerk".

She adds: "As there is no apparent resolution to our members' grievance, I am writing to ask that the council do not allow the clerk to return to work until all the issues have been fully investigated and clearly resolved."

Ms Smethurst warns that if her request is ignored: "It would be very likely that our members would be signed off sick by their GPs as their health would suffer."

When contacted by The Northern Echo Ms Smethurst declined to discuss the email but said there were concerns among staff members.

Mrs Fraser has been employed as the chief executive officer and town clerk for a number of years and works as the council’s main administrator. Northallerton which has a population of around 10,600 is the County Town of North Yorkshire where the County Council and Hambleton District Council also have main offices.

This year the Town Council’s budget is £273,000 with Band D properties in the town paying £85.40 in local council tax. The authority has 12 councillors - one seat is currently vacant - who are not paid and nine members of salaried staff.

The Town Council is due to have two meetings this week in connection with the dispute, to discuss the outcome of “whistle blowing grievances” and a HR meeting with solicitors. Both are due to be held in private session

Mayor Cllr John Forrest said he could not comment on the issue. The Northern Echo has requested that a public statement is made by the council following the meetings.

Mrs Fraser could not be contacted to comment.