A TOWN clerk sacked for gross misconduct after a £340,000 VAT blunder has had her employment appeal tribunal thrown out by a judge.

Sam Shippen was dismissed from Seaford Town Council in September last year following a long-running drama at the town hall.

They included claims of bullying, in-fighting amongst staff and councillors and an “administrative error” that saw the council facing the prospect of losing £340,000 in unclaimed VAT.

HMRC eventually reimbursed the council for the full amount – but Ms Shippen was held to account for the “administrative error” and was relieved of her role.

She launched a tribunal against the council on the grounds of unfair dismissal, but the case was thrown out in court this week.

A statement from Seaford Town Council said: “Seaford Town Council attended the second date of the tribunal case and is pleased to announce the claim being brought against the council by the former town clerk was struck out by the judge on the grounds that section 203 of the Employment Rights Act applies and the settlement agreement entered into by the claimant and the council provides that the employment tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear a claim of unfair dismissal. This judgement is final.

“The town council will be making no further comment and looks forward to a bright future for the town with its many new projects.”

The council was described as “dysfunctional” in July last year by then Lewes MP Norman Baker.

Town councillor Sam Adeniji said Ms Shippen’s failed appeal brought an end to the saga.

He said: “It’s a good result for the council and it brings an end to the saga.”