A LONG-RUNNING dispute which saw the suspension of a council’s most senior officer has ended after the authority revealed she has now left.

After six months of refusing to reveal details of why Sue Fraser was suspended as clerk of Northallerton Town Council, a statement was issued by the authority which they said was agreed by all parties.

Deputy mayor Councillor Ken Archer said: “The town council can confirm that Sue Fraser has left its employment.

"She has not left as a result of recent unsubstantiated press reports.

"We thank Mrs Fraser for the work she has done for the council and the people of Northallerton in her nine years with the council and wish her all the best in the future.”

Cllr Archer said he could not make any further comment on the issue and could not say on what basis Mrs Fraser had left or whether she had been made redundant.

Northallerton Mayor, Cllr John Forrest, also said he was not prepared to comment.

Mrs Fraser was contacted at her home, but she too said she did not want to comment.

Her departure comes after emails from a union official at UNISON representing three members of council staff urged councillors not to let the suspended clerk return to work until “significant issues” with other staff were resolved.

Councillors were warned the health of other staff could suffer and it was alleged they could be signed off sick by GPs.

It was also alleged staff were “distraught” at the prospect of the clerk returning to work.

The union official declined to discuss the issue when approached, but agreed there were concerns among staff.

Mrs Fraser was employed as the chief executive officer and town clerk working as the council’s main administrator.

Last year, the authority had a budget of about £378,000, with more than £150,000 in staff costs, there are nine members of staff and 12 unpaid councillors.

Band D properties in the town which has a population of 10,600, pay a council tax of £85.40 to Northallerton.

Existing staff have been carrying on with Mrs Fraser’s work.

Cllr Archer said he did not know when a new clerk would be appointed.

One councillor, who asked not to be named, said:”We hope it will be upwards and onwards for the council.”