"It was a complete charade. The city council has become a cloak and dagger operation." These were the words of independent councillor, Geoff Wilson, after an extraordinary council meeting on Wednesday to discuss the the departure of Town Clerk John Burrows (pictured). Mr Burrows cleared his desk last week leaving many councillors in the dark as to what was happening.

Council leader Stanley Henig set up the meeting, which was closed to the public, to put before members proposals for a new management structure.

But the city's independent group were outraged that none of their questions were answered.

"It was a sham. They issued an official statement before the meeting had even taken place," said Cllr Wilson.

"It was obvious that the decisions had been made and that the meeting was just to try and save face. We asked why the Town Clerk had left, why he had cleared his desk, why he wasn't allowed to talk with any councillors - but we were given no answers whatsoever."

Cllr Carol Broad also claimed that she had been given no information about what was happening.

She said: "Even after the meeting we're none the wiser. We were told it was a face saving exercise."

The independent group has planned a meeting to look at the legal implications of the way in which the council has dealt with the matter.

Mr Burrows had been in the £70,000 a year post for under two years. No new Town Clerk is expected to be appointed with the role being shared by Director of Development, Charles Wilson, and City Treasurer, David Corker.

Council Leader, Stanley Henig, said; "John has been very committed to Lancaster City Council and has made a number of changes since he has been in the post which has helped the council remain a highly successful authority."

In a joint statement issued by the outgoing officer and the council, Mr Burrows said: "It's been a privilege and absolute pleasure to work for Lancaster City Council. The workforce is first class and I have been proud to be Chief Executive of such a good workforce."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.