THREATS and intimidation sparked by an escalating allotments 'war' has resulted in a town council clerk taking such precautions as wearing a body-worn camera and locking himself in the town hall while he works.

Geoff Price, of Yarm Town Council, said he is wearing the camera to go about his duties to prevent any "misunderstandings" after bitter rows over the town's allotments, which have seen tenants evicted, accusations of threats, and council meetings held in secret.

It is understood the whole debacle initially started due to a disagreement over the price of onions in the allotment shop but there have also been rows over tenancy agreements and access issues.

Allotment holders are allegedly pitched against one another, with claims of harassment and bullying, after a row broke out between the town council, which oversees the allotments, and the Yarm and District Garden Association (YDGA), which represents the interests of tenants.

Mr Price said: "I have had a couple of cases where people have been trying to intimidate me. In one case a man put his face right in mine, just millimetres away.

"I also want to protect myself against any false allegations made against me as I have had that as well. I decided that a body camera was the best way to do that so I just wear it as I go about my duties.

"I have been a clerk on a parish council before but I have never come across anything like this."

He said he also now locks the door as he works in the town hall after two people came in and tried to put pressure on him.

"They were trying to intimidate me," he said.

The row has also split the already divided town council into factions after the YDGA shop was closed down and two allotment holders evicted.

The town council has held its meetings behind closed doors for several months to prevent members of the public attending, as it said it needed to hear complaints from allotment holders who felt intimidated.

However, the YDGA claims this happened after a large number of them turned out to voice their displeasure at the way the allotments were being run, including the group allegedly being forced to close their shop.

The town council is made up of councillors from the Yarm Residents Association, the ruling group, and the Yarm Independent Association, which is believed to be supporting the YDGA.

YIA wrote on its Facebook page: "What is clear is what was once considered a great British pastime of ‘growing your own’ has now become a battlefield for the hearts and minds of Yarm allotment holders with some seriously questionable activities by the council and by certain individuals."