FORMER Minehead mayor Cllr Jean Parbrook has been barred from the town council’s offices after allegations of “inappropriate, aggressive and threatening behaviour” were brought by the newly appointed town clerk.

Jenny Bashford, who took over the job from Sue Sanders in January, had complained to the mayor, Cllr Norman Hercock, about an alleged confrontation with Cllr Parbrook on February 28.

Ms Bashford claimed that Cllr Parbrook made “accusations, allegations and implied threats” in an “unprovoked and unexpected verbal attack”.

She told Cllr Hercock she was worried about the wellbeing of Cllr Parbrook, “who does not care what impact her behaviour and conduct has on others, and whose unchecked behaviour seems to be degenerating into a loss of self-control needed for someone holding public office.”

Asked to comment on the allegations, Cllr Parbrook said she had no idea of the nature of the complaint; that in the interests of natural justice, both sides should be considered; and she had not been invited to defend herself.

In a letter sent this week, Cllr Terry Venner, chairman of the council’s finance and staffing committee, told Cllr Parbrook: “I was appalled to read of your behaviour at the council offices that morning.”

He added: “While this matter is being investigated and for the remaining life of this council, you are not to enter this office without a prior appointment unless it is to attend a council meeting.

“If you make an appointment to meet with any member of staff they will reserve the right to have a fellow staff member present at all times.”

Cllr Venner told the Free Press that Ms Bashford had submitted her complaint to the monitoring officer, the district council assistant chief executive Bruce Lang, asking for a standards committee inquiry.

He said he had been delegated to investigate the matter: “We have received the complaint and it will be dealt with through the proper channels,” Cllr Venner said.

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