DETAILS have emerged of a dispute which led to the resignation of two former mayors.

Elizabeth Ramage, former deputy clerk at Richmond Town Council, has confirmed she has taken the authority to an employment tribunal.

It is understood a row within the council over the case resulted in the resignation of councillors Stuart Parsons and Linda Curran. Both are witnesses in the case.

Last month, members voted to be "minded to bring a vote of no confidence" in the two councillors, but action has now been suspended until the tribunal proceedings have finished.

The two councillors have said that as a result of the problems, they felt they could no longer sit on the council.

Details of the tribunal have not been revealed. However, it is known that Mrs Ramage no longer works for the authority.

Mrs Ramage confirmed she was taking legal action against the authority.

She said: "Even at this late stage, I'm hoping it will be resolved honourably and amicably.

However, she added: "If I didn't think I had a good case, I wouldn't have launched the tribunal in the first place.

Mrs Curran said it would inappropriate for her to comment at this stage.

Richmond mayor Coun John Robinson also declined to comment until after the hearing. Coun Parsons was unavailable for comment.

The tribunal is due to take place in Newcastle next month.