MYSTERY surrounds the sudden and dramatic departure of Lewes town clerk-designate Dr Helena Hodges who had only been in the job two months. Dr Hodges, 52, told the Express in early December that she loved Lewes and was here to stay. A fortnight later she was packing her bags. The mother-of-two, who formerly worked in senior administration for Wycombe District Council, said this week that she could not comment on her sacking at this stage. She was taking legal advice, she added. Dr Hodges, who was due to formally take over from retiring town clerk Chris Walsh at the end of the year, has a PhD in biochemistry and an MBA and Diploma in marketing. She is also skilled in quality auditing, computer technology and data analysis. Lewes Town Council in a statement yesterday (Thursday) said: 'Dr Helena Hodges started her employment with the council on October 15. 'She had good opportunities to experience the pressures and various demands involved in the position of town clerk. 'At the same time the council was able, with the benefit of professional advice from independent consultants, to assess her performance and capabilities in the post. 'Ultimately it was decided that Dr Hodges employment by the town council should end on December 31. Mr Walsh is to continue as town clerk until a new replacement is recruited.