CONCERNS have been raised over a "wall of secrecy" which has descended as Poole council confirmed it has parted company with its town centre manager.

Gaynor Forryan has left the Borough of Poole's employment after being suspended pending investigation at the end of January.

In a terse one-line statement agreed by both sides, all a council spokesman would say is: "Gaynor Forryan has left the council's employment and we wish her well for the future."

Cllr Phil Eades, Liberal Democrat shadow cabinet member, said: "A wall of silence is being put up by the council.

"On behalf of residents of Poole the council should be more open. The council should tell us what happened here."

He added: "I shall keep investigating until I find out what's behind it."

Following her suspension an investigation was carried out by an outside consultant into alleged irregularities, believed to involve the council's tendering process.

Richard Randle-Jones has been seconded from the borough's economic development unit to fill the post temporarily and the process of recruiting a new town centre manager will get underway.

Although her employer was the Borough of Poole, town centre management is an arms-length organisation, funded partly by the council but mostly by local business.

Its budget for 2008/9 is £282,000 of which the council's contribution is £53,000.

Gaynor Forryan took up the post in Poole in August 2006, moving from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, where she had been town centre manager for four years.

During her 17 months in the job she was instrumental in getting the High Street Study under way, expanding the Top of the Shops retail awards, extending the winter festival and safeguarding the street market.

She was a keen supporter of the rejected scheme to bring a giant Solar Pyramid to the town.

Liz Willingham, town centre management board chairman, said: "Everyone in the town centre wishes her well in the future."