A BLACK former council officer will tell Labour activists tomorrow of the racist abuse he said he suffered while working for a Labour-run council.

Principal safety officer Mac Williams lodged a claim of racial discrimination against Durham City Council, but accepted a £6,500 settlement on the eve of an industrial tribunal. The council denied liability.

He claimed he suffered a catalogue of abuse from some colleagues that included being called a "dark cloud" and "the blackie from Byland Lodge" (the council's headquarters).

The council's deputy leader Mildred Brown, who is also alleged to have made a remark, has been suspended while the regional Labour Party investigates.

Mr Williams, recently-appointed chairman of the city's magistrates, will speak of his experience at a private meeting on racism for Durham Labour Party members tomorrow night in the city's Labour Club.

An exhibition on racism, based on the life of Jewish girl Anne Frank, who died in a Nazi concentration camp, has just opened in Durham Cathedral.

A party member, who asked not to be named, said members, including city councillors, were sickened by Mr Williams' treatment.

"It is unforgivable for a city that is supposed to be socialist. A number of us feel ashamed. I deplore racism.

"There might be some recommendations come out of the meeting. They would have to be referred to the constituency or executive committee," he said.

Another said: "The meeting was called because members are angry at his treatment and that no action has been taken."

Mr Williams has agreed not to talk to the media as part of his settlement.

Leader of Durham City Council Maurice Graythorne said the council had also agreed not to comment specifically about the case, as part of the settlement. He did say the council was always looking at ways to improve staff relationships.

l The city council's cabinet will be recommended this week to pay chief executive Colin Shearsmith's legal costs, thought to be £1,950 plus VAT, for advice he received during a fraud squad inquiry into a land deal connected with the council's multi-million pound Millennium City development.

Mr Shearsmith was arrested, but no charges were brought