A SENIOR councillor told two street wardens their service would be axed if they took industrial action, a tribunal heard.
Cllr Norman Keats, cabinet member for finance at Knowsley council, was accused of “threatening” the wardens outside Kirkby swimming baths.
Cllr Keats denied the allegation at yesterday’s hearing, at which about 20 former wardens are claiming unfair dismissal against the council.
They lost their jobs when 66 employees were axed in January, six months after their numbers were reduced.
The tribunal heard changes to the service began in April last year, when the council announced plans to cut jobs and alter shift patterns.
Charles Pryer, representing members of Unison and Unite, accused Cllr Keats of “threatening” two wardens.
Cllr Keats denied the allegation, saying: “He (the warden) knew Neighbourhood Renewal Funding was finished and we (the council) had worked extremely hard with scarce resources to find the £1.6m for a permanent warden service.
