Home is attacked ‘over name change’

Coun David Dobbie has suggested that Gainsborough change it’s name to ‘Gainsborough-Upon-Trent’ in order to drum up some positive publicity for the town.

The proposal generated a great deal of debate, resulting in national press coverage and a Facebook group with over 1,500 members protesting against it.

Coun Dobbie has had his the front wall of his house vandalised, which he believes is linked to the opposition against his proposal.

“It’s clearly been done with some force and malice,” said Coun Dobbie.

“It’s been damaged in such a way that it looks like it needs to be replaced, I’m probably going to have the wall taken down and rebuilt.”

He continued: “I did expect a negative reaction.”

“There have been some really nasty comments about me on Facebook and there was one in particular that was quite threatening. There have been an awful lot of derogatory comments aimed towards me.”

“I just think it’s appalling, but it’s typical that people should try to bully and intimidate me about this.”

Coun Dobbie argues that people have misunderstood his proposal, and that his ideas have been blown out of proportion.

“I only want to change the name electorally, it doesn’t mean that all of the signs and stationary would have to change – people can call it what they like. People think it will cost an awful lot of money and certain councillors are saying that too, but it really won’t.”

“I wanted to do it to coincide with the 1,000th anniversary of Sweyn Forkbeard’s death to create some positive publicity for the town.”

“This whole debate has been in the national press, and even they noted that Gainsborough used to be the capital of England, and I think that deserves more recognition.”

He added: “I’m being attacked, and it’s disgusting that someone has done this. I find it repugnant and cowardly, and they say I’m the one that’s mad.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0300 111 0300.