Anger over council boss' Florida trip

The chief executive of a Black Country council is attending a £5,000 self-awareness training course in Germany and Florida.

It will teach her to become "more likeable and able to like herself".

Dr Allison Fraser, who is in charge of Sandwell Council, was today at the centre of a row after signing up to the Avatar Professional Course at taxpayers' expense.

The Avatar website claims the course teaches people how to become "more real, authentic", to "protect themselves against the abrasions of the world" and "gain a connection with the undefined self". It also teaches its students how to "obtain the keys to successfully operate in the world".

Avatar was established by Harry Palmer, a former missionary in the controversial Church of Scientology and it is claimed he devised the Avatar theory during a prolonged session in a flotation tank.

Dr Fraser has already taken a £2,400 course in Germany and is due to fly out to Florida in October for the remaining £2,500 worth of training.

She will be staying at the International Drive resort in Orlando, described as one of the most "dynamic vacation destinations" in the world.

Tony Mallam, chairman of Sandwell's Sons of Rest social clubs, which are facing closure because of budget cuts, said: "It beggars belief. She should be concentrating on Sandwell, not flying round the world."

Councillor Mary Docker, of the opposition Conservative group, added: "I looked on the website and I thought it was quite funny, it's so Americanised."

But Sandwell Council leader Bill Thomas says it represents "good value for money".

"It is certainly very important that she has access to these training courses," he said. "This is considered to be one of the best courses around."