TWO men have been dealt with by police after a fight broke out at a parish council meeting.

Officers were called to the allotments committee of Briercliffe with Extwistle Parish Council in December after a scuffle started, allegedly over a dispute concerning sheep grazing rights.

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It involved council lengthsman Michael Greenwood and Jimmy Seed, whose wife and former parish councillor Sarah has been involved in protracted negotiations over grazing land for her sheep Millie, along with fellow councillor Colin Meeks.

Mr Seed was given an adult caution and Mr Greenwood was handed a penalty notice for disorder.

Lengthsmen are employed by parish councils to tend to parts of the village such as commons and village greens, and maintain drainage into fields and public areas.

A police spokeswoman said: “A 50-year-old man was given an adult caution and a 48-year-old man was given a penalty notice for disorder.”

The incident arose as the council confirmed it would not be taking any questions from the public at its forthcoming meeting of the allotments committee on Monday.

However, residents are still invited to submit any issues they wish to be discussed at the session, which will be held at Briercliffe Community Centre after the parish council meeting, as long as they give them in writing ‘three clear days’ in advance.

A spokesman for the council said the action was being taken after they received advice from police, lawyers and bosses at Burnley Council.

and that the ban would remain in place until further notice.

He added: “Briercliffe with Extwistle Parish Council regrets that at the forthcoming meeting of the council there will be no opportunity for spoken public questions.

“This action is taken on the advice of solicitors, the police and officers of the borough council. This will remain in place until we are advised we can return to our usual practice.

“Any member of the public who has a question is advised to submit this in writing, three clear days in advance, to the clerk and a response will be provided at the meeting and for publication on the website where relevant.

“The council respectfully reminds residents that any questions referring to specific individuals or council employees and councillor conduct will not be answered.”