A MEMBER of staff has been suspended after an alleged incident at a Darwen primary school, a governor revealed today.

But a local councillor urged Blackburn with Darwen Council to let people know what was going on.

The member of staff, who Coun Eileen Entwistle said was a governor, was suspended from Sudell Primary School, Sudell Road.

Coun Entwistle, the council's representative on the board of governors, said: "I am aware of a suspension but I really cannot comment further because I may be involved in the process. I do not know if the fact this person is a governor will make any difference."

Ian Kendrick, assistant director of education and lifelong learning, said: "The council is not prepared to comment on individual cases or confirm or deny suspensions. Our schools use a variety of positive strategies to ensure that a disciplined working ethos is maintained.

"Strategies and sanctions are used rigorously and creatively as appropriate to each school's context.The headteacher and staff at Sudell are no exception and work closely with the LEA to maintain high quality educational provision and a positive ethos."

Ward councillor Paul Browne said he was angry to hear that parents were being denied information. He said: "If it is true and an investigation has been launched into a governor being suspended it is quite simply outrageous that it is not out in the open.

"Parents have a right to know what has gone on. It is blatantly wrong."