EVESHAM residents incensed by the blockade at Hampton Mill are being asked to ditch grumbling on Facebook and join the committee set up to fight for access.

Monday’s public virtual meeting, organised by Donna Adkins, led to a further gathering being scheduled for tomorrow night (Thursday) to form a steering group of “five or six” people to co-ordinate the public response and push for answers from authorities.

It comes after Frances Payne, who lives in Hampton Mill, acknowledged being responsible for denying access by padlocking a gate and putting up barbed wire, fencing and notices to keep out.

READ MORE: Angry residents to meet over Hampton Mill blockade

READ MORE: Hampton Mill owner defends using barbed wire to block paths 

One matter raised on Monday was the issue of allegations and counter allegations being posted on social media, particularly Facebook groups, something Mrs Adkins said should stop while the committee rubber stamps the way forward.

“We are trying to stop any posts about Hampton Mill now,” confirmed Mrs Adkins.

“We don’t want to fuel the fire that is already there. We don’t want people to act as vigilantes, we want to do this in the correct manner because we need to be heard and in the right way.”

Helen Russell, Labour’s candidate in the Worcestershire County Council election seat for Evesham North and West, attended on Monday and Mrs Adkins sys she also plans to be present on Thursday.

Prospective committee members can put themselves forward by getting in touch with Mrs Adkins via email: adkinsdonna1@gmail.com

“I am struggling to do it myself so it is a case of the more the merrier,” she added.

“If anyone wants to come forward to join the committee please get in touch.”

Mrs Adkins started out with the intention of compiling complaints over accesses to public paths being shut off amid claims the matter is being “brushed under the carpet” by Worcestershire County Council, the body responsible for the paths.

Mrs Payne cites “constant” problems such as people taking illegal substances, assault, theft and vandalism, issues she says have been fuelled by “pure incitement” via social media.

The Evesham Journal has received counter allegations, which are refuted by Mrs Payne, and Mrs Adkins has offered to act as the conduit to get the matter resolved having received more than 30 complaints as part of an “incredible” response ahead of Monday’s meeting.