Abuse, including threats to stab the newly-elected leader of South Kesteven District Council, led to a secret ballot on a local hunt.
Councillor Virginia Moran called on the authority to withdraw any non-statutory support for the annual Belvoir Hunt.
She wanted the authority to reject permission for the use SKDC assets in connection with the hunt, to force them to name any charity they were collecting for and to ensure costs associated with the event were recovered.
However, prior to the motion, council leader Kelham Cooke stood to call for the vote to be held as a secret ballot.
The motion was rejected 22 against, 12 for and two abstain.
He said: “There has been a significant amount of abuse and intimidation of individual councillors from across this chamber.
“I have had phone calls and messages from individuals concerned about their safety within their own homes with regard to this motion.
“I don’t do this lightly, but I am genuinely concerned for councillors within this room. I myself live on my own and have already had threatening messages online calling for me to be stabbed and calling me other names which is not appropriate.”
The incident saw one of the victims suffer a broken neck and broken vertebrae, while the other suffered cuts and bruises, bleeding down the side of his head and concussion.
The hunt itself did not admit liability for the assault, but did pay more than £48,000 in compensation.
Four other attackers involved in the assault were never identified or caught.
Councillor Moran told councillors she was “very disturbed” to hear of the threats saying the response in support of the amendment had been “astounding”.
She told councillors that by supporting the hunt “we are condoning their actions and bringing this council into disrepute.”
South Kesteven District Council’s full council meeting. Photo: Daniel Jaines
“People will no longer put up with hunts parading through their towns when they are persistently flouting hunting laws,” she said.
“This council should not be supporting any organisation that has links to criminal activity,” she added.
During the debate opposing councillors argued the motion would not comply with the Nolan principles – the seven principles of public life expected of public office – or the code of conduct.
They also said it would be undemocratic.
Former Grantham mayor and Charter Trustee member Ray Wootten said the hunt, which has run for more than 130 years, was a tradition which attracted hundreds of people.
He said there had been “no police presence until three years ago when protestors turned up”.
He, and wife Linda, both spoke of threats councillors had been received by hunt objectors.
Councillors were told “we know where you live” and called “evil scum”
They included councillors being told “We know where you live” and called “evil scum”.
He said the hunt itself had been called “bloodthirsty morons” and people had posted they “hope they fall off their horse and break their necks”.
Earlier in the meeting, Kit Henson, from Belvoir Hunt, told councillors it had “continued to operate within the law after the 2004 hunting act came into force.”
He said the hunt itself had not been prosecuted and “continue to operate at the highest standards”.
“It is a family-friendly festive tradition and it should not be stopped because of the regrettable action of one individual,” he said.”
Polly Portwin, Head of Hunting at the Countryside Alliance said: “We are delighted that the Council voted against the motion to ‘sever all ties with the Belvoir Hunt’ and therefore permit the hounds to meet in Grantham on Boxing Day.
“It is a great shame that councillors had to waste time on such a pointless and divisive debate but we are very grateful they rejected the proposal, even though we understand that some came under incredible pressure from anti-hunting activists.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.