THE LEADER of Canvey’s Independent Party is facing a disciplinary hearing over allegations he bullied a council clerk.

Dave Blackwell will appear before the Castle Point Council standards committee to face accusations of bullying, intimidation and disrespectful behaviour made by former Canvey Town Council clerk Julie Abel.

The allegation refers to a number of incidents between September 2007, when Julie Abel took over as clerk, and June 2009, when she resigned following two months’ leave on health grounds.

Mr Blackwell said he is completely innocent of all the allegations.

He said: “I’m absolutely shocked and surprised. I have never bullied or intimidated anyone in my life.”

“I will obviously fight this. I’m bringing the whole town council as witnesses and the local MP and I just hope justice will prevail.”

Dave Blackwell was chairman of Canvey Town Council until March 2009 when he resigned following a dispute with Ms Abel over a proposed Armed Forces Day.

Many councillors wanted to hold the event and were frustrated the council, which was set up in May 2007, was not achieving results. However, Mrs Abel felt it would be impossible for herself and her part-time assistant, the only two members of staff at the time, to dedicate enough time to make it a success.

A stormy meeting followed, which saw Ms Abel barracked by members of the public.

In September 2009, Canvey Town Council’s grievences panel cleared Dave Blackwell and fellow Canvey town councillor Barry Dixie of allegations they bullied Ms Abel at the meeting.

The Echo tried to contact Ms Abel, who is now clerk of Thaxted Parish Council, in North Essex, but she did not return our calls.

The standards committee, which is open to members of the public, will be held from 9.30am on Thursday, November 12, at the Castle Point Council offices in Kiln Road.