NEWPORT council and the governing body of a local school "acted unreasonably" in ousting two members of the board of governors, a report by Wales' education minister says.

Geoff Lee and Dr Graham Wilson were removed from the board of governors at Clytha Primary School, in July 2001, after head teacher Ann Picton made allegations against them, including accusations of aggression and hostility.

The two men took their fight to the National Assembly after claiming they were not permitted to use the council's standards committee or complaints procedure to get a review of their case.

Now, a report by Education Minister Jane Davidson has said the school acted unreasonably in handling the complaints against them, and the LEA acted unreasonably in handling their removal.

Ms Davidson has also asked the governing body and the LEA to review their handling of the case and put new procedures in place to ensure there is not a repeat of the shortcomings she has identified.

Mr Lee and Dr Graham Wilson issued a joint response to the report. They said: "The Assembly's judgement is a substantial step towards the freedom of school governors to express their opinions.

"Every member of the public needs to have confidence that the council will be reasonable in dealing with any complaint they may have against the council. "Similarly, the parents of pupils at schools need to have confidence that governors will act reasonably in making judgements that affect their children.

"We have suffered embarrassment and stress as a result of the unreasonable behaviour of the council and the governors. We hope that in future other well-meaning governors in similar situations will not have to suffer as a result of carrying out voluntary duties." A council spokeswoman said: "We are surprised by some of the conclusions that have been reached and we do not accept that the LEA and the school's governing body have acted unreasonably.

"We are seeking clarification of a number of points from the Assembly and we will be consulting the Standards Committee before the council considers any changes to its current procedures."

A statement issued by the school's governing body said it took note of the minister's report.

It added: "The governing body needs time to reflect on her ruling and will consider the recommendations.

"The governing body has, throughout the complaint being received by two former governors, taken advice from the local authority as to the procedures to be followed."

PICTURED: Clytha Primary School headteacher Ann Picton who made the allegations that led to the ousting of the two governors.