A TROUBLESHOOTER appointed to look at council contracts in Brighton and Hove has been sacked.

Chris Purslow was brought in by Brighton and Hove Council to check housing contracts were being undertaken properly and providing value for money.

But he was recalled by his employers, consultants Parkman Property Services Ltd, two months early without explanation.

Councillors are now demanding to be told why.

Tory Geoff Wells said: "He may have trodden on a few toes.

"I want to know why he was dismissed and who was responsible.

"Chris Purslow was a great asset to this council.

"It looks as if he suffered from the consequences of trying to act in the best interests of council tenants and taxpayers to ensure that their money was being used properly."

Mr Purslow, who lives in Tonbridge, Kent, said: "I was extremely surprised and disappointed when the commission was brought to an end two months earlier than was originally agreed.

"I have yet to receive any explanation as to why and who made the decision to bring the commission to an end prematurely."

Coun Wells said a letter was sent by the council's housing department to 31 councillors and eight tenant representatives informing them of the dismissal.

He added: "There are a lot of questions about this which need to be answered."

Brighton and Hove Council chief executive Glynn Jones said: "In view of the concern, I have asked both our internal audit section and chief personnel officer to investigate the matter and take whatever steps are necessary to get to the truth."

Mr Purslow studied the work done under contracts as a surveyor.

In some cases he made critical comments about the level of workmanship and recommended reductions in fees.

He was seconded to Brighton and Hove by Parkman, an international consultancy operating both in Britain and abroad.

Tenants' leader Johnny Stevens said: "We thought he was doing a good job and after all, millions are spent each year on housing in the towns."

Peter Gatt, chairman of Freshfield Tenants' Association, said: "We would like to know more about what happened."

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