Dorset Council 'granny' climate protesters will not face charges

The "grannies for the future" were described as "anarchists" by the council leader

Two women who glued themselves to a table during a council meeting will not be charged by the police.

Giovanna Lewis and Annie Webster, the self-styled "grannies for the future", were described as "anarchists" by Dorset Council leader Spencer Flower.

During their protest they berated the council for its lack of action on climate change.

Littlemoor and Preston councillor Louie O'Leary said he was "appalled that they have been let off the hook".

Their protest came as councillors were about to debate a motion by Mr Flower calling for the UK to secure energy self-sufficiency.

A statement was read out berating the council for its lack of action on climate change

In a statement, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the pair said: "We stand by our action as a method of shining a light on the dangerous and ill-informed view that it is okay to expand fossil fuels in a climate emergency."

They added: "We also ask Councillor O'Leary to think again about nuclear energy. It's taken over 30 years for Winfrith's nuclear waste to be removed - nuclear waste is an enormous problem in society and one that needs to reduce, not expand."

The pair said taxpayers money should be invested in "genuine clean and no-risk sustainable renewable energy".

"Come on Dorset councillors... do the right thing - and leave the best legacy possible for our children and grandchildren of the future," they added.

But Mr O'Leary told the BBC: "The agenda they are pushing in my opinion is not about decarbonisation or about renewables, it's about pushing a radical program including the overthrow of capitalism, the state, and a crypto-communist agenda.

"Dorset Council needs to continue to promote an energy policy that delivers for the majority not ponders to a vocal minority.

"My residents have overwhelming expressed support for the motion myself and the leader put forward and condemned the actions of these two individuals."

Security locks have been fitted to the council chamber doors in Dorchester since the protest in April.

Dorset Police said: "Following an investigation and in consultation with Dorset Council, it has been decided that no further police action will be taken in relation to this matter."