Councillor rejects apology call

Coun Alan Lockwood made the accusation in the Horncastle News earlier this month following incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town.

Prior to that, another town councillor, Richard Barker, had claimed police were not doing enough to stop problems caused by ‘boy racers’ in the Market Place.

However, it was Coun Lockwood who came under fire from two of his fellow councillors in verbal exchanges at last Tuesday’s monthly town council meeting.

Coun Dominic Hinkins called on Coun Lockwood to apologise to police while town and county councillor Bill Aron said he was ‘shocked’ by Coun Lockwood’s comments.

Coun Hinkins said: “I wonder if he (Coun Lockwood) would take this opportunity to apologise to the police for saying they are failing Horncastle.

“As we all know, the police work very hard under very challenging circumstances – and with a very low level of resources.”

Coun Hinkins went on to suggest Coun Lockwood should focus on what the council could do to support a fairer funding formula for Lincolnshire.

That suggestion followed a reply from Wolds Division Inspector Sarah Constantine to Coun Lockwood in the Horncastle News when she defended officers.

Coun Aron said: “I was shocked by his (Coun Lockwood’s) comments in the article.

“We have been very well policed by the Neighbourhood Policing Team team and senior officers

“It is damming for Horncastle to have to read what was said in the newspaper.”

Coun Aron also claimed officers had been forced to spend time replying publicly to Coun Lockwood’s views, rather than investigating crime and anti social behaviour.

In reply, Coun Lockwood said he spoke out because people had contacted him about reoccurring incidents of ASB.

He said those people were genuinely afraid of reprisals – especially if incidents were reported to police.

Regarding an earlier announcement that the policing team in Horncastle would be strengthened, Coun Lockwood said: “I am delighted to hear that but I am still concerned by ASB.

“The area where it is happening is near to my heart. People are frightened to come forward.

“They fear intimidation. The people responsible are allowed back into the community.

“This concerns me and a lot of other people.

“I came out publicly and said what I did because people who spoke to me were too frightened to go to police, because of the fear of retribution.

“I have – and always will –speak up for the people of this town.”

Coun Barker said the comments from Coun Hinkins and Coun Aron were a electioneering. Both councillors are standing in May’s county council election.

Coun Barker said: “I’ve never heard a better electioneering speech from either of them.”

Coun Aron retorted: “It’s nothing to do with the election. It’s to do with two councillors…”

Before Coun Aron could finish speaking, Mayor Coun Fiona Martin stepped and said: “Thank you...let’s move on.”

Coun Martin stressed the town council would support any calls for increased funding for police..

She said: “It was a problem 20 years ago when I was on the police authority.

“It has always been an uphill battle.”