LEDBURY Town Council has formally apologised for imposing sanctions on two councillors accused of bullying staff members, and it has formally lifted the sanctions.

A statement from the town council has also explained the process and advice that led it to take the decisions it did: a process which led to one of the accused councillors, Liz Harvey, taking the town council to a judicial review, which she won.

A statement from the town council says: "The judge declared that the town council's decision of May 11, 2017, was 'ultra vires', and not within the council's powers, as it was substantially and procedurally unfair.

"This decision arose following grievances lodged by the town council's former town clerk and former deputy town clerk, in respect of the alleged bullying behaviour by Cllr Harvey."

The statement adds: "The judge decided as a result of the Localism Act 2011, governing Code of Conduct issues, the town council was not permitted to impose the sanctions it did in this case, which included limiting Cllr Harvey's work on the town council."

The town council did not act, however, without taking advice.

The statement adds: "As the judge indicated, the case is of considerable importance to local authorities, particularly as the town council took legal and practical advice from the National Association of Local Councils as to the procedure to be followed, and acted upon it."

Following the judicial review judgement, "Cllr Harvey and Cllr Harrison, who was also subject to the May 11, 2017 decision, will be able to resume their duties on the town council."

In fact, both Cllrs Harvey and Harrison were banned from participating as councillors in committee meetings for almost two years: the decision of May 2017 was to extend the sanctions already in place.

The town council statement concludes: "Ledbury Town Council offers its apologies to Cllrs Harvey and Harrison for the actions it took against them."

Ledbury Town Council is now facing a huge bill for court costs. The final tally is still to be officially disclosed, but the Reporter understands it will be in the region of £200,000.