POLICE are investigating hate mail sent to former tourism officer David Christley, who this week heard that there will be an independent inquiry into his controversial dismissal.

The vicious anonymous letter was sent to his home address and another letter making unfounded allegations has been circulated among councillors.

Threatening mail has also been sent to this newspaper office in relation to the Christley case.

The police have confirmed that they are making enquiries into the letters, which have marred a week of good news for the former Morecambe tourism chief.

After hours behind closed doors, councillors finally decided to invite an independent body to look into the council's handling of the case, which was described at an industrial tribunal by the chairman as "substantively and procedurally unfair." Said Mr Christley: "I've not seen the letters and I don't want to. Things like that can really unnerve you. I personally believe that an independent inquiry will support my view that there were inappropriate actions by certain people which had catastrophic consequences for me. I thank all those who voted for the inquiry and particularly the Independents and Greens for fighting so hard to ensure that justice is done."

Cllr Tricia Heath of the Independents said: "We're extremely pleased that the Lib Dems and Labour have had such a drastic change of heart. We can now move forward to a more open and publicly accountable council."

Green leader Jon Barry said: "We owe it to both David Christley and the officers and councillors involved to sort this matter out as soon as possible."

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