TWO leading Tories have been removed from North Somerset's Conservative Association after serious allegations were made against them.

Association president Carl Francis Pester and chairman Christopher Allcock have been 'removed' from their positions on the group after concerns were raised about the way the association was being run.

It is understood the allegations against the pair, both leading lights within the party, were made last year and that an investigation into the claims has been carried out over the last few months.

The name of the complainant has not been revealed nor have the details of the allegations.

Association members were told of the news in a letter from Somerset Area chairman for the Conservative Party, Peter Wright.

In a letter to association members, Mr Wright, said: "For the last few months we have been investigating complaints made about the governance of the North Somerset Association.

"The allegations are serious and this has resulted in the board of the party removing from office chairman Chris Allcock and president Carl Francis Pester."

The association, which has an office in Nailsea High Street, has now been placed under the control of interim chairman David Dodd until the 'reconstruction of the association is completed'.

Mr Wright said it was difficult to estimate how long this would take but expected the matter to be resolved within six months.

Association bosses said they were unable to reveal any details about the allegations at this stage but details would be put to a meeting of the association's executive council on February 11.

Details of the claims will then circulated to members.

North Somerset MP, Dr Liam Fox, is said to be aware of the allegations with association bosses saying he has been 'kept fully informed.'

Mr Francis Pester, who lives in Clevedon and serves on the town council, is also a member of North Somerset's powerful executive and has responsibility for environmental matters.

Mr Francis Pester is also a North Somerset Councillor and represents Easton-in-Gordano while Mr Allcock lives in Pill and is a farmer.

It is not known whether the allegations will affect Mr Francis-Pester's role as a councillor or an executive member.

North Somerset Council leader, Nigel Ashton, said: "The allegations are unsettling for the party as we don't yet know the details.

"I have had a meeting with the new association chairman, David Dodd, and will be meeting with Carl.

"I cannot comment on whether the allegation will affect Carl's role until I speak to him and we decide the best way forward."

Members of the group said they were 'saddened' at the allegations and said both men were hard working members of the party.

One councillor, who did not want to be named, said: "There are a lot of people within the group that feel these allegations are grossly unfounded and petty.

"There is a lot of support for both Carl and Chris and the feeling is that this whole issue has been badly handled.

"This is a bad thing to happen when we are just 10 weeks away from local elections."

In a joint statement, Mr Francis Pester and Mr Allcock, who have been involved with the association for more than 20 years, said: "No one has provided us with written evidence of the original allegations.

"Under the rules of the association we believe we have acted properly and in the best interests of the association, its members and our political interests in the constituency.

"I hope we have the opportunity to refute this allegations - we have nothing to hide."