Ukip councillor criticised for ‘petrol bomb’ claim over travellers

A UKIP councillor has come under fire over “petrol bomb” remarks she made at a public meeting about a potential travellers site.

Councillor Jane Bramley, who represents South ward on North East Lincolnshire Council, held a meeting over the earmarked site in Torksey Drive, Nunsthorpe, Grimsby.

Coun Bramley said she feared “petrol bombs” were already being prepared and that she heard threats of “World War Three” if the site is put there.

The remarks sparked outrage from travellers groups and have been criticised by the All Parliamentary Group on Gypsies, Travellers and Roma.

Councillor Bramley has said she was “only reporting what others had said” on social media. Josie O’Driscoll, chair of GATE Herts (Gyspy and Travellers Enpowerment), a community-led organisation, said Coun Bramley had created “a hostile environment”.

She added that the organisation has submitted a complaint with the council. Meanwhile, a cross-party parliamentary group on Gypsy and Travellers has written to council leader, Coun Philip

Jackson, to raise concerns over the comments.

Baroness Janet Whitaker and Kate Green MP, who signed the letter, said they feared the remarks could “agitate community tensions” in the area.

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: “This meeting was not arranged by the council, and any opinions expressed at the meeting by councillors and members of the public do not represent our views as an organisation.”

Councillors will be asked next week to agree to send a shortlist out for public consultation.