Five full-time members of staff have been placed on leave over alleged concerns for their safety, the Advertiser understands.

The town's mayor Richard Rowles made the decision on the afternoon of Friday, October 23, after learning complaints about personal grievances.

This means the town council is no longer functioning as all full-time members of staff are now on gardening leave. 

Richard Rowles said solicitors had been informed and they were investigating complaints. 

It is the latest drama at the town council which has seen a number of resignations from councillors since the May 2019 election. 

Richard Rowles, mayor of Andover, is expected to hold an extraordinary general meeting tomorrow as an emergency although a locum town clerk will have to be found to preside over the meeting. 

This a breaking news story. Updates to follow.