THE JUDGE who has granted permission for a judicial review, which will look at the processes followed by the town council in finding two town councillors, Cllr Liz Harvey and Cllr Andrew Harrison, guilty of bullying staff, believes the issue is not one of "general public importance".

In granting the go-ahead for a judicial review, Judge Allan Gore QC said: "It is not accepted that the principal issue raised is one of general public importance, let alone an issue of law of general importance."

But the process could still drain thousands from the public purse if the defendant, Ledbury Town Council, loses in court.

Judge Gore said: "The issue is whether on the facts of this individual case, the defendant (Ledbury Town Council) fell on the wrong side of what it was empowered by statute to do."

The stage is now set for a New Year High Court battle, although the claim is on hold for a month, by direction of the court - so both sides can talk.

Meanwhile Cllr Liz Harvey, in a press statement, has said she is open to an out of court settlement.

The statement says: "She remains open to a serious and sensible offer from them (Ledbury Town Council) before the matter reaches court - no least to avoid the council incurring more costs to the public purse."

A figure as high as £140,000 has been widely reported beforehand as the likely costs of a judicial review, but Cllr Harvey, in a separate statement, believes this could now be lower.

She said: "It is very significant that the Judge has confirmed that there is no new law to be made in determining the case. This means that it is a straightforward matter to be resolved in the High Court in the New Year. My legal fees involved will be much reduced as a consequence.

"Clearly, my preference - even at this stage - would be for the council to acknowledge that it has mishandled matters and to make the necessary commitments to prevent such maladministration from occurring again.

"Councillors’ continued commitment of public money on this ill-advised action is very disappointing. It’s still not too late for them to reconsider and to set the record straight."

The procedures that found Cllr Harvey and Cllr Andrew Harrison guilty of bullying staff were under employment law; but a separate Code of Conduct investigation, by Herefordshire Council found that neither Cllrs Harvey and Harrison had been in breach of the Code, which covers how councillors must treat others.

Ledbury Town Council did not oppose the granting of permission for a judicial review, but declined to comment on the ongoing situation.

Town Clerk, Karen Mitchell, said: " It would not be appropriate for the Town Council to respond to the statement of Cllr Harvey whilst the proceedings are still ongoing."