THE manager of Hull's biggest park has been sacked in a row over the collection of charity money. Mairtin Coss had been in charge of East Park since 2008 and has worked on a number of pioneering projects at the Holderness Road site.
His dismissal by Hull City Council is believed to be in relation to collecting money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Although specific details are unclear at this stage, there is no suggestion the cash did not go to the charity to help sufferers.
Mr Coss is now taking the council to an employment tribunal.
A spokesman for the local authority said: "We are not in a position to comment on this matter as proceedings have been issued in the employment tribunal."
Mr Coss, who was in charge of more than 20 members of staff, raised thousands of pounds for cancer victims during his time at the park in east Hull.
He was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer about ten years ago, which spurred him on to help others suffering from the disease.
His mum also passed away earlier this year after being diagnosed with cancer.
Staff at the park have been asking questions about whether Mr Coss is still the manager and said they were unaware that he had been sacked.
However, one group, which that email from Hull City Council, confirming he is no longer an employee.
Mark Croker, of East Park Archers, said he had heard rumours circulating before receiving the email in early July.
He said: "The email said he was no longer working for the council and we haven't heard anything since.
"I'd like to know what is going on concerning the immediate future of the park's management.
"A lot of people are still in a state of confusion and we don't really have one person to answer to at the moment."
The city council says the situation will not affect those who use the park or any of its staff.
Mr Coss, who is in his 40s, risked losing the feeling in one side of his face after he was diagnosed with acinic cell carcinoma in his cheek, a rare salivary gland cancer.
He had noticed a lump just in front of his right ear and was told he would need a five-hour operation.
In an interview with the Mail in 2010, he said: "Psychologically, the treatment was very hard, because every two months I was faced with my own mortality.
"I was wondering whether the cancer was going to come back and I have had some scares.
"There were lots of great staff who helped me through it and I wanted to say thank you and raise the profile of Macmillan."
He took part in a 612km bike ride through Mexico to raise about £3,500 for the charity.
Mr Coss was also determined to get more people cycling in the park and was instrumental in starting up a scheme for disabled cyclists.
He said: "When I landed here, I told people my mantra for managing parks is that they are for the users, so everything we do should be driven by them."
Mr Coss declined to comment on his departure as manager when approached by the Mail.
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