A WAR of words has erupted over claims by the former Malvern Hills Trust chair she had to resign as she had been bullied.

Cynthia Palmer, who made the allegations in her resignation speech in July, claims she is still waiting for anyone at the trust to speak to her and answer her questions about the alleged bullying.

But Mrs Palmer's replacement as trust chair, John Michael said they had been in frequent contact with her since her resignation.

Mrs Palmer's resignation came amid the row between the trust and campaigners over plans to change the way the organisation is being run through a private bill.

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At the time, the trust said it was most concerned to hear the allegation of bullying made by Mrs Palmer in her resignation statement and would be investigating the matter.

But at a special board meeting of the Malvern Hills Trust on Thursday (October 17), Mrs Palmer said she is still waiting for answers.

She said: “Most of you will remember me resigning as chair in July because I had been bullied and belittled by certain trustees and staff for telling the truth.

“It has now been 32 weeks since the bullying began and I am still waiting for answers to questions so that my appeal can be heard and for someone, anyone, to speak to me. 

“In fact in the Malvern Gazette later in July it was reported that the CEO, Deborah Fox, takes issues of bullying very seriously - yes so seriously that she hasn't even spoken to me until tonight."

Mr Michael said: “The Trust has been in frequent contact with Mrs Palmer by email since her resignation in mid-July, seeking to establish the basis of her allegations and a mutually acceptable way to investigate them.

"The CEO has offered to meet Mrs Palmer to discuss the allegations. 

“Mrs Palmer sought to impose conditions on the handling of the matter.

"Following legal advice the board concluded that the investigation should be put into the hands of an independent person.

"Consequently the matter is now out of staff hands."