THE clerk and deputy clerk of Keighley's troubled Town Council have both announced their resignation.

Clerk Tom Ferry, who has only been in his position for six months, said he had wanted to leave before the May elections, but was persuaded to stay to help the new Council establish itself.

He and deputy clerk Debbie Spink, who lives in Cottingley and has been with the Council for nearly 11 years, will leave on July 9.

The Mayor of Keighley Councillor Javaid Akhtar said he was disappointed by the resignations, while another councillor - John Kirby - said it had thrown the Council into disarray.

Mr Ferry, who is from Horsforth, said: "All the big work on the [external auditors'] public interest report has been done and it's time to move on. I've done what I should have."

Mrs Spink confirmed her departure, but declined to comment further.

Minutes from the Council's April 20 human resources committee meeting show Mr Ferry previously raised concerns about staying on.

He cited "the lack of professionalism of some elected members, difficulties in meetings and some staff issues."

The same minutes quote one councillor as reporting that Mr Ferry felt "he had been more of a trouble shooter than a clerk."

The council has been subject to highly critical external and internal audits which blasted the authority's financial processes and decision making.

It has also faced intense criticism for the way it has managed its North Street Civic Centre and is currently the focus of a police investigation into suspected fraud.

Responding to the resignations, Elizabeth Mitchell of the Cavetown Council Keighley parishioners campaign group said: "I'm genuinely surprised, this has come right out of the blue. I'm surprised because Mr Ferry has only been in post for six or seven months. It's not clear where this news leaves the Council.”

Cllr Kirby (Laycock & Braithwaite) said: "I'm very saddened and at the same time annoyed that they've both decided to resign at the same time.

"It's the beginning of the mayoral year and this has thrown the Council into disarray.

"I'd like to know why they have resigned, and I'll be putting that question to the Council."

Cllr Akhtar said he was informed of the resignations on Tuesday.

"It's disappointing that both our senior employees are to leave at the same time, especially when we've got lots of new councillors," he added.

"I'm sorry they're leaving, but at the end of the day it's their decision and we have to respect that. It is a difficult time for the Council."

Councillor Barry Thorne, leader of the newly formed Labour group on the Town Council, said the authority may have to review its current staffing structure.

"As new members of the Council we don't know what has gone on in the past, but we are interested in how we can turn the Council round and take it forward into the future," he said.