COUNCILLORS have allegedly been subjected to threats and intimidation as a row over the future of Great Wakering Common rumbles on.

Parish councillors claim they have received threatening phone calls from withheld numbers and even found dog mess on their cars.

Neil Hookway, Ukip branch chairman and group leader at Rochford District Council, has even offered a £5,000 reward for information.

The incidents have been aimed at two members of Great Wakering Parish Council. They have asked not to be named for fear of future attacks.

It comes as a campaign is underway to secure the future of the common - amid fears it may fall into the hands of developers when its existing lease runs out in October.

Mr Hookway said: “The party takes these matters very seriously, and a financial reward is being offered for any information that leads to a prosecution.

“The seriousness of the threats and intimidation has resulted in two councillors reporting the incidents to Essex Police for investigation.”

The parish council was due to discuss a motion not to renew the lease on the common at a meeting last Wednesday. It was deferred at last minute after the allegations came to light.

Council chairman Marion Sawyer said: “The threats and intimidation received by councillors could impair their ability to come to a balanced view when subjected to such behaviour.”

Mr Hookway originally put the motion forward not to renew the lease on the land, by St Nicholas Church.

Costs including clearing up flytipping, cutting the grass and evicting travellers currently falls on parishioners.

Mr Hookway said: “The matter of the lease was up for discussion at the last meeting, and councillors need to make decisions based on facts and evidence. The deferment allows these facts and evidence to brought out into the local community, and therefore dispel the inaccurate speculation and rumours currently circulating.”

In a public document published by Great Wakering Parish Council is is claimed that the land will stay as a public right of way if the motion is passed. Statute law is said to protect the land from development.

Anyone with information on the threats and intimidation can call police on 101.