PUBLIC accusations of witch hunts, dishonesty and the “heavy-handed” banning of continuous complaints erupted in a row between villagers and councillors.

Bradfield Parish Council was brought to a standstill at its latest meeting when members of the public hit out at an ongoing audit cost and claimed requests and e-mails were being ignored.

Members of the public applauded criticism of the council as well as a new complaints policy, which could see ongoing queries branded as “vexatious” being banned.

Vice-chairman Richard Scott said: ““It was getting everybody down so she said the best we can do is get a vexatious complaints policy.”

The council voted, six in favour and two against, to adopt the policy.