High '˜tree-son' in Woodhall?
Every year, volunteers put up trees and lights outside shops to create a festive atmosphere and attractvisitors.
It is a long-established tradition and resident GrahamKeegan - who is also a parish councillor - was among the volunteers. This year, they put up more than 50 trees.
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Hide AdMr Keegan says the idea is supported by the parish council who invoice individual businesses for £15.
However, he claims earlier this month, four businesses had still to pay.
So, he put a poster on the community noticeboar, naming and shaming those businesses.
That brought an outcry from several businesses - and complaints to the parish council.
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Hide AdThe council quickly took the notice down and issued a statement, stressing Mr Keegan had acted without their approval.
In the meantime, Mr Keegan admits he was the victim of personal insults on social media.
Mr Keegan explained: “I was one of the volunteers who gave my time putting up the trees in pretty awful weather.
“I think it is totally unfair and insconsiderate that by March, four businesses had still not paid.
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Hide Ad“I decided put up the notice. naming and shaming them. I wasn’t hiding anything. I even put my name on the notice.”
Mr Keegan stressed the vast majority of businesses were supportive of village projects - like the trees - and had an excellent relationship with the parish council.
He adds that as a result of the poster, three of the four businesses did pay.
Mr Keegan added: “I think there were some pretty silly things said about me on social media but to be honest, I’m too busy to read them.”
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Hide AdHe accepts some people were upset by the poster but said he would ‘do the same again.’
He stressed he had acted as a resident -and not acouncillor.
Parish council chairman David Clarke said: “It (the notice) urged residents to make their feelings known directly to the businesses involved.
“After consulting with the parish clerk, it was decided the notice was inappropriate and was removed.”
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Hide AdCoun Clark confirmed a ‘local businessman and dignitary’ had warned Mr Keegan’s actions could jeopardise support for future projects..
He added: “I want to make it clear this notice was not authorised, endorsed, approved or otherwise supported by the Parish Council.”