Loss of sheep is kept from board

The sheep, worth about £3,000, were stolen from Colwall Lands, Brockington, in October last year, but the matter only came to light last week following investigations by board member David Masters.

Mr Masters has been critical of the Conservators' grazing project since its inception in 2000.

He discovered the loss when he asked for figures regarding the project, after several sheep were savaged by dogs.

Board members were informed of the loss at a committee meeting on Thursday, April 29, the same day that Mr Masters received the figures.

It emerged at the meeting that Richard Smith, the shepherd responsible for looking after the sheep, had resigned.

An internal investigation into the missing sheep was due to be carried out yesterday (Thursday), but David Masters is demanding a police investigation.

He criticised Conservators' management over the incident, describing it as a cover up and gross incompetence.

In a letter to Mr Rowat, he said: "I believe it is imperative that a police investigation is carried out immediately. The public is entitled to an explanation for the loss of these 56 lambs, which represent a significant percentage of the board's flock."

Mr Masters has also written to the Charity Commission, which oversees the Conservators, raising his concerns.

"This isn't a flagship scheme, it's a disaster," he said. "Obviously somebody hasn't been doing their job properly."

Ian Rowat confirmed Mr Smith's resignation, but declined to comment further until the investigation had been carried out.

He said in a statement: "Following the letter from Richard Smith on the 31st of March tendering his resignation, I accepted. Following a routine audit carried out we found that 56 sheep were missing.

"We need to carry out an investigation. If it has serious consequences we will inform the police."

The investigation is believed to have been carried out by conservation officer David Whitehorne and board member Richard Witcomb.