Sandbach Mayor, Councillor Ann Nevitt, has spoken for the first time about an "on-going situation" at Sandbach Town Council. 

Rumours have been rife since it was revealed that an "administrative error" had occurred following the last appointment of a councillor in the Elworth ward. 

Another by-election is now due to take place for this ward on Thursday, December 12th – much to the anger of many residents. 

Cllr Nevitt has asked for the "public's trust and understanding while we follow proper procedure and bring this to a close as quickly as possible". 

She told Nub News: "We are doing our level best to deal with this situation quickly, efficiently and in the public interest.

"We understand that it's frustrating not knowing what is going on. We ask for the public's trust and understanding while we follow proper procedure and bring this to a close as quickly as possible." 

 Cllr Nevitt said was was "an ongoing situation" at Sandbach Town Council. "Those councillors dealing with the situation cannot and will not discuss confidential staffing matters with the press.  

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 "Councillors dealing with the situation also cannot disclose to full council details about the situation because, if a grievance result is appealed then we need councillors who know nothing about the situation who can hear the appeal. 

 "The personnel committee have been fully informed about the situation and have backed the approach being taken. 

"Due to the confidential nature of this situation we unable to use STC employees and have, therefore, employed a qualified an independent former town clerk to take minutes at some meetings. We did request a clerk from CHALK first but they were unable to provide one. 

"In private meetings a strong majority of councillors backed the efforts of those dealing with the situation without knowing all the details because they understand the need for confidentiality. 

"A budget of £3000 was approved for handling the situation in the first emergency meeting and in the second, due to the increased complexity of the situation, the budget was increased to £10,000. We greatly appreciate the trust shown by those councillors. 

"Those dealing with the situation have taken HR advice and the advice of an employment lawyer from the very beginning and continue to do so. Every step taken has been approved by those professionals. 

"Due to the confidential nature of this situation our hands are tied when comes to responding to spurious and unfounded accusations." 

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