Angry scenes and resignation calls dominated at a board meeting of Malvern Hills Conservators.

Members were due to examine an internal report into 56 missing sheep but this was eclipsed by a letter from staff deploring the way the issue had been presented to the public.

Fourteen staff members, including director Ian Rowat, said their trust had been "betrayed by the actions of a few Conservators who seek to bring the organisation down".

"If we're not supported in our work, or spend our time justifying our actions, then we do not achieve as much for you or the community," they said.

The letter asked for reassurance from the board that it did not condone these members' actions.

While the letter did not give names, board member Ray Roberts pointed the finger of blame at David Masters and Alistair Macmillan, both opponents of the Conservators' sheep grazing scheme.

Mr Masters was reported in Malvern Gazette and Worcester Evening News describing the missing sheep incident as gross incompetence.

When Mr Roberts called on them to resign, fellow board members applauded. He said: "They seem to have set themselves up at self-styled experts, always sniping away. They undermine the board by questioning public decisions that have been made by majority vote after professional advice."

Mr Masters said he did not have a hidden agenda.

"I just want public accountability," he said.

Mr Macmillan said it was unfortunate the board had adopted the standards of a "kangaroo court".

After a heated exchange, members gave vote of confidence in staff and agreed to examine at a later date the issue of a code of conduct for board members.

After the meeting, Mr Masters said the issue of the missing sheep had been virtually ignored.

"Not one single question was asked about the report," he said. "It's a major diversion from the real issue."