I had a topic that was auto hidden because the user was on mod approval

Upon deleting the hidden topic the main forum page now shows

when I click on the -1 it goes to the next page which says

 

but there clearly are topic in that section
if I click the Start the First Topic button it takes me to the post screen

any advice on what's happened and how to remove the notification from the main forum page please ?

Your best course of action would be to submit a ticket so we can investigate what happened and help you correct the issue. Unfortunately, it's going to be difficult to work through on the forum. 

Thank you!