A PARISH council in Burnley has been left split after a bitter year-long row over sheep-grazing rights.

An investigation is underway after two members of Briercliffe Parish Council quit the village authority and one lodged a ‘bullying’ complaint.

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Parish councillor Sarah Seed has been involved in protracted negotiations over grazing land for her sheep Millie, along with fellow councillor Colin Meeks, who has a nine-strong flock.

But after being told they can no longer use the village site Coun Seed has stood down six months after being co-opted onto the council.

She claims she has been told to ‘shut up’ and questioned over why she was sitting on the parish council.

Mrs Seed said: “It’s been frightening and scary at times - There have been occasions where I’ve been left in tears.”

She has lodged a standards complaint with Burnley Council and a decision is expected soon on whether there is a case to answer.

Coun Meeks also resigned and Paul Prince, a parish councillor who stood down last year, is also lodging a complaint.

Coun Roger Frost, a long-standing parish and borough councillor, said: “This could have been resolved a long time ago with a little give and take on both sides.” Coun Kelly, the parish chairman, said: “I strongly refute any suggestion that she has been bullied. There was a democratic decision that was made which she has railed against.”