A COUNCIL chief has been sacked from two top roles, it has been confirmed.

On Wednesday, Cllr Bernie Attridge said he had been stripped of his role as Flintshire Council’s cabinet member for housing by his fellow Deeside councillor Aaron Shotton, leader of the authority.

It has since been confirmed that he has also lost his position as deputy leader of the council.

A Flintshire County Council spokesman said: "The council has clarified on request that the leader of the council, Cllr Aaron Shotton, is dismissing Cllr Bernie Attridge from both roles as deputy leader of the county council and cabinet member."

There has been an outpouring of shock and support for Cllr Attridge, with residents taking to social media to voice their opinions.

Connah's Quay resident Lynne Chick said Cllr Attridge supported her after the loss of her daughter.

She added: "He always took time to listen to me, who offered his support to my whole family along with the late Carl Sargeant. I'm feeling very let down by my own party tonight, by our council, but I, like you, am entitled to my own opinion.

The Leader:

Bernie Attridge, left, has been stripped of his roles by Aaron Shotton, right, leader of Flintshire County Council

"I also feel for the good councillors out there that work hard for our community, please continue to support those that do good."

Cllr Attridge took to social media on Wednesday evening with a personal statement into his sacking.

In a swipe at the council leader, Cllr Attridge made reference to the ongoing inquiry into Cllr Shotton's conduct by the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales into allegations that Cllr Shotton had an inappropriate relationship with a female member of staff.

He said: "This was entirely the decision of Aaron Shotton, who is himself mired in an Ombudsman inquiry into his conduct. There's no such inquiry into my behaviour."

A community meeting will be held on Monday, April 1 at Wetherspoons in Shotton to discuss the situation and to organise a peaceful protest.