A FORMER senior officer with a local council issued a writ against the authority, alleging that they failed to protect her against harassment.

Pamela Harris, aged 56, who lives in Rogerstone, Newport, was granted a summons by Cardiff county court on August 6 alleging personal injury through 'negligence' by Caerphilly borough council.

Miss Harris, who was promoted to the key post of Best Value project manager in April 1998, took early voluntary retirement in September 1999.

She had worked for the council's legal department since 1974.

The Argus understands that Miss Harris alleges that though she complained that she was being harassed, the authority failed to take any action.

The Argus was told by a former colleague that she was a "dedicated, hard-working, strong and committed officer".

They also said Miss Harris had confided to them that she had been "bullied, intimidated and harassed".

The writ was served on Caerphilly council on August 14. The council has until September 9 to respond to the writ and file a defence.

The allegations relate to a six-month period in 1999 in which Miss Harris alleges she was constantly harassed by a senior figure within the council.

A source close to Miss Harris claims this is when she began complaining to senior managers because she felt unable to cope.

She eventually accepted voluntary redundancy, alleging she was unable to cope with the "perceived lack of sympathy and protection" from the council.

Since her departure, Miss Harris claims that she has become ill as a result of the psychological distress caused by the alleged harassment.

Speaking from her home, she said: "I am very ill at the moment and I do not want to go into any details about the case.

"I'm trying to recover from the things that have happened to me and that's enough to deal with.

"The details of the case will come out in court in due time, but it is important that I recover and gather strength now."

A statement from the council said: "Caerphilly county borough council can confirm that proceedings have been brought against them, by a former employee, for damages and consequential loss.

"The terms are that the council allegedly breached its duty of care as employer towards her.

"The allegations include harassment, bullying and intimidation. Caerphilly council is strenuously resisting these proceedings. As the matter is proceeding through the courts it is improper for further comments to be made."