MORECAMBE'S tourism community has spoken of its "outrage" and "disgust" at the treatment of sacked tourism boss David Christley. The long-serving officer was summarily dismissed this week after a disciplinary hearing found him guilty of gross misconduct. But scores of local people have rallied to support the beleaguered Mr Christley and described the city council's behaviour as "appalling."

"David is innocent of all the charges and will be vindicated," said his union representative, Steve Blakesley.

"There was not one bit of corroborative evidence against him and in all my years with the union I have never come across anything like this. I've been disgusted by the way this authority has behaved. They followed none of the usual disciplinary protocol and one can only wonder at the motives behind their actions." Mr Christley is remaining tight lipped until his appeal in two weeks' time but friends and colleagues say they are determined to clear his name.

He was controversially suspended amid a blaze of publicity last October along with marketing officer Trevor White. Both faced charges of bullying a female member of staff which they vehemently denied.

Chairman of Morecambe Hotel and Caterers' Association, Mr Colin Richardson, said a great many people in the resort felt the city council's handling of the Christley affair had been "reprehensible."

"What's happened is absolutely appalling," he said. "It's been a triumph of political correctness. How can you have confidence in the council when it treats a faithful, enthusiastic employee of 12 years in this way. He was named before any investigation had even taken place. Lots of people have been left speechless at what's happened."

Members of the resort's tourism community have written to town clerk, Charles Wilson, to express outrage at the treatment of Mr Christley and many are concerned about the future of Morecambe's Tourism Department.

The disciplinary panel which dismissed Mr Christley was made up of councillors Eric Blamire, Sybil Rostron and Ivor Thompson. A group of five councillors will now be selected for the appeal hearing at the end of the month.

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