HILIARY DOUGLAS, the Head of Culcheth High School, has been suspended.

School governors are now investigating an auditor's report.

Mrs Douglas, who has been headteacher at the popular school for the past seven years, has cleared personal items from her office.

Her deputy, Alan Parkinson, has been appointed Acting Headteacher by the Board of Governors.

The school's pupils and parents were shocked at the news of the suspension.

A spokesperson for Cheshire County Council in Chester said: "The headteacher at Culcheth High School was suspended after consideration of an audit report.

"The issue will be considered by the next meeting of school governors who will consider what action to take.

"There is no question of personal financial gain.

"Suspension is not a disciplinary measure. It is a procedural device to enable inquiries to continue."

During the past few years Mrs Douglas has made friends and 'enemies' of parents and the local community in equal measure with her strong opinions.

The school's sixth form was transformed into Culcheth College, which enhanced quality and credibility.

But the flip side came when Mrs Douglas announced plans to sell off part of the school's playing fields to a housing developer, sparking anger and animosity from many people locally. Eventually, the plan had to be withdrawn.

Acting Head Mr Parkinson refused to comment.

But chairman of governors Alex Hillman said, in a brief note to parents: "In Mrs Douglas' absence I wish to assure you that everyone involved in running the school is maintaining a caring and stable learning environment."

And vice-chairman of governors Bill Crackle commented: "Alan Parkinson has been made acting head and the school will run properly and efficiently under his leadership with the support of the governors."

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