Latest news with #FionaWilson
BBC News
06-08-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Cheshire East: Councillor abuse 'becoming a national problem'
A council is set to sign off plans to bring in measures to tackle abuse of councillors, after a survey found around a third had considered standing down over abuse and Wilson, who chaired the review at Cheshire East Council, said it was "disappointing" that the authority had to look into the issue but said the council needed to "accept" it had to protect council's deputy leader Michael Gorman said there needed to be a "national response" because abuse was "becoming a national problem".Councillors will discuss the plans at a meeting later. Two-thirds of Cheshire East's councillors responded to a survey on harassment, abuse and intimidation and said they had faced incidents including death threats, stalking and damage to their cars or total, 82% of the harassment reported was on social media, with 62% in person, 51% via email and 20% over the Fiona Wilson, who was in charge of the group set up to look into the problem, said she thought the public would be "surprised and disappointed" about the levels of abuse."It does concern me because there's the impact with councillors wanting to stand down - experienced councillors working hard for their communities who may not want to stand again," she said."We have to accept that we need to protect councillors going forward, and we've worked really hard to bring forward a whole range of procedures that will support councillors if they have any concerns in this area," she said. Michael Gorman, the council's deputy leader and leader of the Independent group, said the figures reported in the area were "shocking" but said there were similar problems in other councils."I think we need a national response. This is becoming a national problem," he said."I think this government is listening and I think they really do need to take some action," he added he felt social media platforms needed to "get a grip"."My dad and my grandad both fought in the trenches in WW1 and WW2 for democracy and against dictatorship, they're probably spinning in their graves now looking at this because I just think, this is not this country. "England is based on democratic values, not on hate and abuse," he said."What we can't have is people who are giving up their time and energy being intimidated and abused constantly online and through email and face to face, having their cars damaged, all the things we learned from this report and the reports nationally... it's time to start doing something about it."The council is looking introduce a formal reporting process, run training in conflict prevention, and issue safety devices. See more Cheshire stories from the BBC and follow BBC North West on X. For more local politics coverage, BBC Politics North West is on BBC One on Sunday at 10:00am and on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
01-08-2025
- BBC News
Cheshire East councillors faced 'stalking and death threats'
About a third of councillors on one council have considered quitting over abuse or harassment, according to a physical violence and damage to vehicles were among some of the incidents reported by some members of Cheshire East Council. Two-thirds of the authority's councillors responded to its survey, with 35% of those saying they had considered standing down because of harassment or study found that 22% of them had experienced a threat of violence, 6% had received death threats and 4% had experienced physical violence in their role. The report will be discussed by councillors at a meeting on Wednesday (6 August).The survey was commissioned after a meeting of the authority's corporate policy group said it recognised abuse, harassment and intimidation of councillors was rising.A task group was set up to look into the issue and the group's chair, Fiona Wilson, said some of the responses to the survey were "alarming".The group also said it was "disappointed and concerned" about the number of councillors considering leaving their roles. Privacy invasion, damage and physical attacks A total of 55 councillors completed the survey, and just over half of those who responded were most said they never or rarely felt at risk in their roles as councillors, 82% said they had experienced harassment or also said that 82% of the harassment was on social media, with 62% in person, 51% via email and 20% over the who responded also reported the types of abuse they had faced, with some reporting their private information being placed on public websites or forums, privacy being invaded at home or other private places and damage to their cars or were three reports of physical attacks and three of being stalked or were individual reports of protests at members' homes and malicious or dangerous items being sent to were also asked their views on the arrangements made for their protection, with more than half feeling the council's arrangements were task group has recommended lone-working personal safety devices be considered for councillors who wished to have them, as well as de-escalation will also be asked to appoint a nominated officer for dealing with abuse and agree for the council to reaffirm its commitment to the Local Government Association's Debate not Hate campaign. See more Cheshire stories from the BBC and follow BBC North West on X. For more local politics coverage, BBC Politics North West is on BBC One on Sunday at 10:00am and on BBC iPlayer.
Scoop
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
The Spectacle Selected For Air New Zealand's New Regional Event Sponsorship Programme
The Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) is thrilled by this week's announcement that The Spectacle running festival is one of the first two major events that will be supported by a new Air New Zealand Regional Event Sponsorship programme. NRDA Chief Executive Fiona Wilson says the announcement is wonderful news for the region. 'The Spectacle made a bold debut in December 2024, proving itself to be a game-changing, iconic event with real legacy potential. It has the power to put Nelson on the map as a destination for quality, diverse and accessible running, walking, jogging routes – welcoming everyone from world-class athletes to first-time participants. The event attracted over 1,500 participants and with supporters and spectators included, brought around 10,000 people into Nelson City over two days. That resulted in an estimated $2 million boost to the region. With no cap on participant numbers and strong annual growth projected, this is a perfect partnership with Air New Zealand to help deliver even more people to enjoy The Spectacle in 2025 and beyond.' Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says this three-year Air New Zealand sponsorship deal is huge for The Spectacle and for Nelson. 'The inaugural Spectacle in 2024 brought road, trail, ultra and elite races to Nelson, with several events finishing in front of the Church Steps. I participated in the 5km, and my ambition is to do the 10km this year. I was in awe of the running talent from Nelson, New Zealand and around the world who came to compete. I love what The Spectacle brings to Nelson, reinforcing our brand as the most active city in New Zealand and I cannot wait to see it grow.' The Spectacle has been created by elite Nelson-based athletes who understand what motivates people to take part in an event like this – and how to make it truly inclusive. This is not your average running event. With broad appeal across ages, abilities, and backgrounds, it has genuine international appeal. From world record-holding elite athletes to pre-schoolers, and from relays and 1 mile to 100-mile distances, there is something for everyone. The celebration continues after the finish line, with an evening concert for participants and supporters. The event is also delivered in partnership with Athletics New Zealand. This marks the first time Athletics New Zealand has partnered with an independent event, reflecting a fresh and innovative approach to revitalising athletics in New Zealand. Air New Zealand's three-year Regional Event Sponsorship commitment to The Spectacle will play a key role in supporting local tourism and driving long-term, sustainable economic activity. The event has also received funding for both 2024 and 2025 through the NCC Economic Events Fund and MBIE Regional Events Promotion Fund, facilitated by the NRDA. Beyond funding, the NRDA supports regional events through marketing, promotion, and by building connections both within and beyond Nelson Tasman to maximise the benefits of events for the wider community. Fiona Wilson added 'While the exact level and type of marketing support from Air New Zealand is still being confirmed, this announcement couldn't come at a better time for our visitor, retail, and hospitality sectors. After the recent heavy rain events in Nelson Tasman, it is wonderful to have and share good news! A big thank you to Air New Zealand for their support and congratulations to Julian, Anni, Kurt and the rest of the Spectacle team for their hard work to create this world-class event for New Zealand. About Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) NRDA's purpose is to accelerate economic growth, improving wealth and wellbeing for the people of Nelson Tasman. With a focus on increasing regional productivity, we deliver on our purpose by supporting collaboration, building capability, and attracting resources. NRDA is a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), 100% owned by Nelson City Council. NRDA was established on 1 July 2016 following merger of the former Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency and Nelson Tasman Tourism. Partnership funding contribution from Tasman District Council enables NRDA services to be delivered with a combined Nelson Tasman regional focus. NRDA's activity spans strategic economic development, business and key sector support, investment attraction and, as Regional Tourism Organisation, fostering and promoting regional visitation.
Yomiuri Shimbun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
U.K. Farm Swaps Milk for Cow Cuddles as Floods Take Their Toll
ARRAM, England (Reuters) — Years of floods and low food prices have driven a dairy farm in England's northeast to stop milking its cows and instead charge visitors to cuddle them. Dumble Farm started as a dairy farm in the 1970s, but in recent years flooding washed out crops and killed off the type of grass the cows like to eat, while milk prices below cost of production proved an insurmountable challenge. 'The amount of flooding and the pressures on our land were just making it unsustainable for us to carry on,' said Fiona Wilson, co-owner of the farm. Agriculture is one of the sectors worst-affected by climate change, with farmers in Europe and elsewhere suffering under increasing heat, drought and flooding. In 2022, Dumble Farm sold all but a few of its dairy cows and, in a scramble to reinvent itself, began offering 'cow cuddling' experiences to fund a wildlife conservation scheme. For £95 ($127.80), visitors can cuddle, brush and stroke the cows as they lie down on a straw-covered enclosure inside a barn. The experience includes a safari to see Highland cattle. 'It's been so worth it, just to get so close to the cows, and they are so loving and gentle,' guest Emma Hutton, 25, said after she spent some time cuddling one of the cows. It took over a year to train the cows to feel comfortable with cuddling, but now the animals have fully adjusted, farmer James McCune said. 'They like being pampered. They are like big dogs … It's more of a spa day for the cows,' McCune said. The farm uses the proceeds to create habitats to protect wildlife and support declining species, such as lapwing birds. 'It's great that we can fund the conservation scheme by having visitors to the farm, and that's really the bigger picture,' Wilson said.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Why this UK dairy farm swapped milk production for cow cuddling
A dairy farm in England 's northeast decided to stop milking its cows and instead charge visitors to cuddle them, a unique pivot driven by years of devastating floods and low food prices. Dumble Farm, established as a dairy operation in the 1970s, faced insurmountable challenges in recent years. Persistent flooding repeatedly washed out crops and destroyed the specific grass vital for their herd, while milk prices plummeted below the cost of production, making traditional farming economically unviable. "The amount of flooding and the pressures on our land were just making it unsustainable for us to carry on," Fiona Wilson, co-owner of the farm, said. Agriculture is one of the sectors worst-affected by climate change, with farmers in Europe and elsewhere suffering under increasing heat, drought and flooding. In 2022, Dumble Farm sold all but a few of its dairy cows and, in a scramble to reinvent itself, began offering "cow cuddling" experiences to fund a wildlife conservation scheme. For 95 pounds, visitors can cuddle, brush and stroke the cows as they lie down on a straw-covered enclosure inside a barn. The experience includes a safari to see Highland cattle. "It's been so worth it, just to get so close to the cows, and they are so loving and gentle," guest Emma Hutton, 25, said after she spent some time cuddling one of the cows. It took over a year to train the cows to feel comfortable with cuddling, but now the animals have fully adjusted, farmer James McCune said. "They like being pampered. They are like big dogs... It's more of a spa day for the cows," McCune said. The farm uses the proceeds to create habitats to protect wildlife and support declining species, such as lapwing birds. "It's great that we can fund the conservation scheme by having visitors to the farm, and that's really the bigger picture," Wilson said.
