BOURNEMOUTH’S controversial parking boss has resigned amid allegations he was involved in a Burns Night bust-up with a top councillor.

Gerry Bolland allegedly lashed out at Labour leader Cllr Ben Grower at the end of the Mayor’s Charity Burns Night celebrations at the Highcliff Marriott Hotel.

No-one was injured in the fracas but it’s believed Cllr Grower’s bow tie was ripped off.

It’s understood the dispute started when Mr Bolland, a former Royal Marine who has been honoured with an MBE, annoyed guests with a lengthy tribute to Robbie Burns.

His speech went on for around half an hour, until Cllr Grower slipped him a note asking him to bring it to a close.

The disagreement then continued at the end of the black tie event, when Mr Bolland is alleged to have made a grab for Cllr Grower.

It’s believed Cllr Grower initially wrote an email of complaint to the chief executive, demanding an apology and compensation for his ruined tie, but later dropped this complaint.

When asked about the allegations, he told the Echo: “It was just a misunderstanding, I’m not pursuing anything.”

When asked whether he had received an apology, he said: “I told him I don’t need one.

“People get heated at things, as far as I’m concerned it’s all finished and over with.”

But on Monday, February 1, Mr Bolland handed in his notice. A date for his departure has not yet been set.

Mike Holmes, service director for planning and transport said: “We can confirm that for personal reasons, a letter of resignation has been received from Gerry Bolland, parking enforcement manager.

“Parking enforcement is always an emotive issue. Gerry’s commitment and dedication to his work, particularly in setting up his team, and to the council has been unquestionable. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Gerry the very best of luck.”

Mr Bolland, who has been at the council since 1997, was a warrant officer with the Marines’ 45 Commando unit and was given the MBE for his role in taking aid to Kurdish civilians driven into the mountains at the end of the first Gulf War in 1991, But, four years ago, a former member of his staff went to an employment tribunal claiming he had felt bullied and intimidated by Mr Bolland.

The tribunal found that his actions “could, and in this case did, amount to bullying and a breakdown in trust and confidence.”

Mr Bolland was approached for a comment but did not respond.