The council leader banned a joke mug which called local councillors idiots.
Anthony Gotts, owner of Handmade in Rossendale, which is based in Lancashire, was ordered to stop selling the item or face losing his Rawtenstall Market stall, the Lancashire Telegraph reports.
He emblazoned the otherwise simple white mugs that he sold with the words “In Rossendale” and “The Council ”.’.” Mr Gotts had been selling them at the market for several years before he received a letter instructing him to stop.
Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of the Borough Council stated that it was not easy for all employees to appreciate the joke.
Mr Gotts found a new home for the item at Queens Dock Barbers on Bank Street, not on council property, and went on to raise £170 for Rossendale Hospice by selling off his stock.
Writing on his business’ social media account on December 17, Mr Gotts said he was visited by Samara Barnes, a Councillor from Haslingden, and the pair had a ‘jolly little chat’ about the mug.
Anthony Gotts wrote on the business’s social media accounts on December 17 that Samara Barnes visited him and they had a “jolly little talk” about the mug.
Anthony Gotts of Handmade Rossendale was the owner. He was based in Lancashire and had to stop selling his item. Or risk losing his Rawtenstall Market stand.
He continued, saying: “Today, I was contacted by a telephone call and told that either my best-selling line must be taken out of business or I would lose my place to sell my products. This ultimatum came directly from council. Coincidence? It might be possible, though I have doubts.
“I have been selling these mugs almost three years. Local councillors, politicians and council workers all purchased them together with the rest of us.
“We had some fun talking about them. It was a great way to break the ice.”
However, in an update of December 18, he expressed his gratitude to Rossendale Borough Council and their outstanding PR campaign. He revealed that some customers had offered to overpay for the cups.
Mr Gotts wrote: ‘I feel inspired by my customers generosity so, not only am I going to donate the profit, I’ll donate the entire takings on these mugs and round it up to £150
Merry Christmas Rossendale Council.
And in a further update, included in his original post, Mr Gotts said that Samara Barnes had emailed the Chief Executive of Rossendale Council ‘to say she does not agree with council leader Alyson Barnes’ decision to censor my mugs’.
He said, “I am now fairly happy that Samara accidentally caused this to occur and I don’t wish her any harm.” Sorry if any abuse was directed at me. My customers seem to be very protective of me business.
MailOnline reached out to Rossendale Borough Council in order for them to comment.