The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
DLI site worker ‘faced abuse and intimidation’
CONTRACT AT MUSEUM LEFT BUSINESS IN FEAR OF ITS REPUTATION
A TREE surgeon who was working on the redevelopment of a museum reportedly faced “intimidation” and “abuse”, councillors have been told.
The local business feared damage to its reputation due to work carried out on the former Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum, a council meeting heard.
Durham County Council’s plans to breathe new life into the Aykley Heads site by creating a new exhibition centre, gallery and cafe have been under scrutiny since work began.
There has been disagreement among politicians about the future plans for the site and campaigners have said more needs to be done to protect the land.
Campaigners and the County Durham Labour party have called for the current development proposal to be cancelled and replaced with a memorial garden and a space for visitors to reflect and remember.
People with connections to the site have also called for the ashes of soldiers in the grounds to be protected.
However, a motion to immediately stop construction work at the site was rejected by Durham County Council last week.
The council meeting heard of the backlash one local business received while working at the site.
Coun Joe Quinn told a meeting how the worker faced criticism for the plans, despite not being involved in the planning process.
He said: “I’m going to talk about the impact on a local business, which has received intimidation and abuse from people who have been whipped up by all the negative press and social media. “The local tree surgeon is simply carrying out work granted through planning permission obtained last February.
“He was made aware of the sensitivities around the site and cordoned off that area accordingly. He has also used minimal equipment to cause minimal disruption to the ground.”
Coun Quinn continued: “Despite all of the precautions taken, this man was left in fear of reputational damage, had his vehicles photographed, and was repeatedly harassed to the point that he felt he couldn’t continue with his job.
“This is a disgraceful use of power and those responsible should be ashamed. “I hope this message gets to those that have been abusing this business and that they stop immediately.
“I hope members of this chamber condemn the actions taken by the individuals in question, and regardless of what side you sit on, come out in support of this local business too.” Coun Quinn’s speech was met with a round of applause from members of the Joint Administration and affiliated parties.
Construction work on
Heads site is ongoing.
This is a disgraceful use of power and those responsible should be ashamed
the
Aykley