LEDBURY Town Council has apologised to town clerk Angela Price for the distress caused by 'personal attacks' regarding the authority's botched restoration of the town's war memorial. 

A council statement apologised for the 'distress' the clerk had been caused personally and the disruption that had been caused to her staff. 

A repair job took place in 2020 following a £30,000 donation from veteran and former Ledbury resident Stuart Heaton - but cracks and green mould became visible around the base of the monument after just a few months.

The town council has now said all concerns raised have been considered by independent outside bodies, including the police, and by the council’s auditor.

These investigations, according to the council, have recommended some council procedures be strengthened, practices improved and policies refreshed. 

However, the council has said any personal accusations directed towards Mrs Price had been shown to be without foundation.

Last year, the town council appointed the IAC Audit and Consultancy director Kevin Rose to investigate the project to restore the memorial. 

Mr Rose described the council's handling of the project as a "case study in what not to do".

A spokesperson for Ledbury Town Council said: "Councillors on Ledbury Town Council have put on record their thanks to their town clerk for her professionalism, forbearance and dedication to public service. 

"This follows many months of criticism and personal attacks regarding the council’s restoration of the town’s war memorial during Covid.

"Councillors committed to embed the learning from the restoration and to move forward constructively, in the interests of the public they represent and serve.

"On the council’s behalf, the mayor apologised publicly to the clerk for the distress she had been caused personally, and for the disruption that had been caused to the dedicated team of staff she leads, who have continued throughout to work hard for the town."

Erected in 1920, the war memorial bears the names of 82 men from the town who died in the First World War, and a further 43 lost in the Second.

Work to repair a previous failed restoration of the Grade II listed memorial got underway last July and was finished ready for Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. 

Ms Price declined to comment.