Tuesday 16 November 2021

A Beverley councillor at the centre of a social media storm over a doctored photo depicting Jeremy Corbyn at the scene of Sunday’s Liverpool terror attack has today been suspended from East Riding Council’s ruling Conservative group. The image of a burning taxi, with the former Labour leader holding a wreath superimposed into the scene, was posted on Paul Nickerson’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. Cllr Nickerson, who represents Minster and Woodmansey Ward on East Riding Council, has since apologised and the postings taken down.

As Cllr Nickerson faced mounting criticism and calls for him to resign, he claimed he had not authorised the posts, describing them as “political banter” and “a prank gone wrong”. But this afternoon council leader Jonathan Owen, who also chairs the Conservative group, announced that Cllr Nickerson had been suspended. He described the postings as “inappropriate and offensive” and told Beverley FM: “All people in public life, irrespective of politics, should be united in condemning the terrorist attack that took place outside the Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Remembrance Sunday. It is not the time for inappropriate remarks, however intended, and they will not be tolerated in this Conservative Group. Residents should expect their elected representatives to act in an appropriate manner at all times.” 

Police are out in force on local roads this week in a bid to crack down on uninsured drivers. Insp Tony Tinsley, from the roads policing unit, told Beverley FM: “Driving without insurance can have devastating consequences.  If you are caught without insurance you will be fined a minimum of £300 and your license will be endorsed with a minimum of 6 penalty points.” Those penalties could be increased if the matter goes before magistrates. The police also told us that anyone stopped who is subsequently found to be uninsured will have their vehicle seized, with the driver or owner responsible for recovery and storage costs.”

[More information here]

Beverley FM’s Search For A Star winner has been revealed as Megan Wright, who will join presenters Alex Dunn and Adam Smith on stage at Flemingate this Friday for the Christmas Lights switch-on. Megan, a Year 10 pupil at Tranby School in Anlaby, will be opening the show and also performing after the lights and laser spectacular. 

Star of the show will be Jon Courtney, winner of Britain’s Got Talent, and there’s also appearances by Vinesto performing his new single, tribute act “Just Ariana” and the All For One Choir. With funfair rides, food stalls and late-night shopping, the event runs from 5 to 8pm.

[Full details here]

And finally, East Riding Council’s road safety team will be visiting Wednesday Market in Beverley tomorrow, offering advice and information as part of national Road Safety Week.