THE disgraced Watford Council officer who accused hundreds of innocent residents of racial abuse refused to be interviewed by investigators this week.

Mr Jay Mistry claimed he was too stressed to attend the meeting on Monday, which will form a major part of an ongoing independent inquiry into the incident.

The racial harassment officer, who was suspended last week after about 20 years at the council, threatened to evict people from their homes for racial discrimination in a letter sent to 99 dwellings in Gaddesden Crescent, Garston.

Residents greeted the news with dismay, fearing Mr Mistry may remain off sick indefinitely to prevent the inquiry going ahead.

A seven-man residents' committee comprising a cross-section of age, race, sex, marital status and career was elected yesterday (Thursday) to liaise with the council during the investigation.

Mr Ian Wheeler, a former Transport and General Workers Union representative who has worked in management at Mercedes Benz, looks likely to be elected as chairman of the residents' committee.

He said: "I am looking forward to us working together because we have got a good balance of the community in the group."

He suggested the committee could employ a solicitor to force an interview if the officer does not co-operate with investigators.

Wide coverage of the episode in national newspapers and television last week has sparked worry among residents that the area will be branded a racist hot spot.

Some are concerned the publicity will devalue their properties.

Mr Wheeler added: "The shocking and sad thing is it is a beautiful place to live it is a sort of nothing ever happens kind of street.

"Everyone gets on with their neighbours and if anyone had a problem, people here would help them.

"This has bought us all closer together and I hope the rest of the country realises this is something that has got out of hand.

"Political correctness has gone mad."

The other members of the committee are Mr Tolo Magona, a teacher and school equal opportunities officer, Mrs Linda Smith, Mr Peter Scott, Mr Ben Adewole, Ms Glenda Down and Ms Lesley Smyley.

July 5, 2002 13:30