A NUMBER of allegations were made against a Great Brough-ton falconry owner this week, including a claim that he threatened to slit a neighbour's throat.

The parish council heard allegations on Wednesday that Dr Mark Robb, of the Stable, The Holmes, had also threatened dog walkers and residents using a path by his property.

One man, who asked not to be named, told councillors and PC Glyn Jones: "Dr Robb poked his fingers into my face and said he would slit my throat. There was a lot of foul language and he threatened me three times. I have had four tyres on my car slashed. The police are aware of all this but say it's the word of one man against another."

Another said: "Villagers who used to walk there are now frightened."

There have been numerous acts of vandalism and obstruction around the village recently, which people say are linked to the long-running planning row over the falconry and access to the footpath.

Dr Robb arrived at Great Broughton three years ago from Guisborough and built the falconry without planning permission. Retrospective permission was granted despite strong opposition.

Dr Robb is worried about the safety of his falcons and particularly about straying dogs. His fence by the footpath has been damaged.

Other property used by walkers has been damaged or blocked. A wooden boardwalk has been smashed with a sledgehammer, and a wooden stile has been wrapped with large loops of barbed wire.

An abusive notice and Christmas card attacking villagers were stuck to the parish notice board, and council notices removed. Though the card had Dr Robb's name on it, authenticity is unproved.

The police are aware of some claims and have arranged a meeting between Dr Robb, chairman Coun Margaret Skilbeck and Coun Bryn Hiscox.

Dr Robb was unable to attend a previous conciliation meeting and refuses to speak to the press. However, PC Jones is in dialogue with him. The officer knows of seven alleged incidents, but only two formal complaints had been made. Five were anonymous.

He said: "Two complaints are being pursued. One is being dealt with and the other will be submitted to the crown prosecution service at the end of the month. I have interviewed Dr Robb and suggested a meeting with parish council representatives. I hope we may be able to come to some sort of conciliation."

He stressed Dr Robb had not been arrested or charged, and rejected councillors' complaints that the North Yorkshire force was slow to investigate the allegations.