A PARISH clerk has quit Dodderhill Parish Council claiming it has a "strong bullying culture".

In a letter from Tracy Bodley emailed to all parish councillors she says her position had become “untenable” claiming the bullying is going unchecked by the authority.

The clerk had only been appointed in April and her resignation means that the authority is now looking for its sixth clerks in four years, if you include full time and acting clerks.

In the letter, sent on Monday, the clerk wrote: “Following extensive consideration, Dodderhill Parish Council has made the post of clerk untenable.

"It appears that the council has deep rooted trust issues not enabling the clerk to carry out the duties as contracted to do.

"On numerous occasions by more than one member I have been challenged on the role and function of the clerk and told that my role is merely to advise in legal matters and let the council or committees do the work.

"I have been accused of acting discourteously and not showing respect. This is not only untrue but, in most circumstances, quite the reserve.

“There is a strong bullying culture from within the heart of this organisation which is going unchecked and on occasion escalating to a full on attack of the clerk from other members under the influence of the perpetrator - on one occasion merely as a result of improvements made to a document.

"Following my departure there may be speculation that personal issues are related to my reason for leaving, please may I make myself clear and for avoidance of doubt, the reason for leaving post is that I am not willing to work under the institutionalised regime of divide and rule, challenge, and chip away.

"I am an experienced and qualified clerk and never been subjected to such disgraceful and relentless underhand behaviour in local authority.”

The clerk worked her notice period as she was present for the authority's last meeting, that took place at Wychbold Village Hall on Tuesday.

The Worcester News approached the parish council and council chairman Alyson Keane, but no one was available for comment.

Worcestershire County councillor for the area, Tony Miller, said: "The clerk is there to advise, decisions ultimately lie with parish councils.

"Occasionally clerks don't get on with parish councils.

"There have been issues (with Dodderhill). They need to start working together."