Allegations of internal strife within the Corporation of Hamilton have been cited as the reason for two senior staff members quitting their jobs in the past 12 months.

Sources have said that General Superintendent Clive Hook and Assistant City Engineer Patrick Cooper left their jobs as a consequence of difficult working relationships with Corporation Secretary Kelly Miller and Alderman David Dunkley.

Although wishing to have their identities protected, the insiders were unanimous in their opinion that there are serious problems at City Hall.

He said that Clive Hook was ?a fantastic worker? during his time at the Corporation but apparently had problems with the way Mr. Dunkley treated him which resulted in him leaving in April, 2005.

Another source also put Mr. Hook?s departure down to him being ?forced out?, but cited alleged unpleasant treatment at the hands of Kelly Miller as the reason for this.

During his time as General Superintendent, Mr. Hook was in charge of all Corporation work crews, and issues such as traffic lights, parking machines and the sewage system in the city.

A third insider claimed that Assistant City Engineer Patrick Cooper left the Corporation in October, 2005 because of a problematic relationship with Kelly Miller which meant he found it impossible to work with her.

?There?s quite a bit of discontent about the way she runs the show,? he added.

Two of the sources also alleged that a plumber named Dean Boorman, who was contracted to do work for the Corporation, walked out last year amid problems with Mr. Dunkley.

?He was one of the best plumbers the Corporation ever had? said one. ?City Hall and the Corporation of Hamilton are falling to pieces,? added another.

Ms Miller declined to comment on the allegations as did Mr. Dunkley and Mayor of Hamilton Lawson Mapp.

Neither Mr. Hook nor Mr. Cooper wished to comment.