An emergency meeting of crisis-hit Ludlow Town Council is planned on Monday to discuss the suspension of clerk Paul Russell.

Mr Russell was suspended following an incident with Councillor Tony Pound, which left the councillor requiring hospital treatment. Police investigated and decided not to press charges.

Today locum clerk Richard Walden said a meeting would be held on Monday.

He said: “The meeting will take place at 6.30pm and councillors will consider a confidential staffing issue.”

Ludlow Town Council has been in chaos in recent weeks because four councillors resigned and Mr Russell was suspended on full pay. Another full-time employee is on long term sick leave and there have been bitter rows over a number of issues.

The town council’s offices have repeatedly been closed to the public and it has suspended all committee meetings, apart from planning and full council sessions.

Mr Walden said: “There is one planning meeting scheduled and the meeting for Monday. After that, there will be no further meetings until a full council in September.”

Mr Walden said it was not yet known how long he would remain in post.

He added: “I have agreed to assist the council on a temporary basis for up to three days each week. I am not expecting that arrangement to be on a long term basis. I am here to help.”