A MAYOR is claiming nearly £4,000 in public money to pay for clothes and trips to the hairdresser, according to a solicitor's letter obtained by the Daily Echo.

Ferndown mayor Liz Stevens is also considering legal action against members of her own town council who she claims have "bullied and intimidated" her.

The council has been embroiled in controversy for months and, in February, Cllr Stevens was asked to hand back her chain of office after fellow councillors said they had lost confidence in her.

In the latest twist in the saga the letter, stating Cllr Stevens is claiming £3,840 in mayoral expenses was sent to deputy town clerk Paul Falconbridge from Wimborne-based firm Harold G Walker Solicitors.

Included in those expenses are £560 for eight trips to a hairdresser and £700 for formal wear for Cllr Stevens, along with £460 for clothing for her partner and a further £670 for clothes and hairdressers' visits for her daughter.

As well as the expenses, the solicitor's letter also states Cllr Stevens is seeking a formal apology from the council for the action taken in seeking a vote to remove her from office, along with recognition that she remains as mayor.

Cllr Stevens' term of office runs until May and she has refused to stand down until then.

The role of mayor is a voluntary one and taken on by a member of a town council voted into office by their peers.

The post holder is given a small allowance and can claim expenses, although there is no salary that goes with the job.

Cllr Stevens, who works for Dorset County Council in Wimborne, has been signed off from work suffering with stress.

Neither Cllr Stevens nor Mr Falconbridge would comment on the latest controversy.