THE COUNCIL has told sacked Morecambe tourism boss David Christley that it would not be "appropriate" for him to address councillors to tell his side of the story.

Mr Christley won a year long battle against the council for unfair dismissal after an independent industrial tribunal ruled that the council's case was "procedurally and substantively" unfair.

But the council hierarchy has told Mr Christley that he will not be permitted to exercise his democratic right to speak at the next full council meeting. He was refused the opportunity once before because the council was awaiting the outcome of a remedy hearing which in the end never materialised.

"I was originally told by the former town clerk, Charles Wilson, that once the tribunal was out of the way it would be possible for me to address the council," explained a disappointed Mr Christley.

"Now I've been told that it would not be appropriate. Like all citizens in the district I have a statutory right to address the council as long as I comply with standing orders. They are denying me my democratic rights.

"I just want councillors to hear my side of the story. It appears that some at the town hall are not too keen to let me tell it though."

A council spokesman said: "Mr Christley has been advised that if he intends to issue legal proceedings then he will not be able to address the full council."

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