Officials at St Neots Town Council said allegations made by Helen King, who was sacked in December, were untrue and that a formal grievance letter she wrote was subsequently withdrawn.

The council said that, following Mrs King’s six-page letter, in which she accused the council of failing to pay her overtime, blocking her from taking annual leave, and bullying and undermining her position, Mrs King was offered opportunities to meet with an independent investigator who would look into the case.

Councillor Bob Farrer told The Hunts Post: “As far as I am aware Helen King was invited to be interviewed about her grievance four times.

“There was also another two meetings where she was invited to come in and make representation.

“She then had from December 21, when she was sacked, to January 23 during the appeals process to object.”

According to the council, Mrs King declined to attend any meetings set up to address her complaints in the grievance letter.

Mayor of St Neots, Cllr Barry Chapman, who was cited in the letter, declined to comment.

Mrs King now has until March to launch a legal appeal against unfair dismissal.