An extraordinary council meeting will be held in public in Herefordshire next month to discuss how two girls in care were failed on a “serious and serial basis”.

A High Court judge criticised Herefordshire Council earlier this month for the “woeful” care for the half-sisters.

In a second case, Mr Justice Keehan said the twins were put up for adoption separately based on “erroneous” information.

Council bosses have apologised and insist immediate actions have been taken.

But, following a private briefing the authority says it will hold an extraordinary full council meeting on the issues on January 18th.

The Independent Group on Herefordshire Council, welcomed the announcement for an extraordinary council meeting to be held in public in the Shire Hall.

They said: “We strongly believe that it is in the public interest that, whilst respecting the privacy of the persons subject to the judgements, an open and transparent explanation of all matters the subject of Justice Keenan’s damning judgements are presented and that Council and the public can be sure that measures now in place or soon to be put in place will fully respond to the extremely serious criticisms.”