Popular Cheshire farm family stunned by Facebook ban after asking for help

Facebook issued a ban after falsely accusing the farm of 'human exploitation'

Social media giant Facebook has been forced to backtrack after a family farming attraction was mistakenly accused of ‘human exploitation’.

Dan Thornicroft, who runs Libby’s Patch, in Gawsworth, with wife Bethan, posted an appeal for anyone aged 14 and over help with weed pulling.

He was inundated with offers and youngsters were paid more than the minimum wage for a day of work, which included regular refreshments, breaks and fun in the countryside.

But the following day Facebook contacted Dan to say he had been reported for human exploitation and the post removed.

As punishment the Libby’s Patch account was banned from post adverts or live videos for a month as well as being demonetised for the same period.

Dan, 37, said: “After the high of seeing kids do something good and everyone going home happy it was a bit disheartening and a bit disgruntling.

“I went to the guidelines on Facebook (afterwards) and for human exploitation it talked about sex trafficking, this was good old fashioned farm work and a chance to explore the countryside.

“People were gutted they couldn’t come back and do it again.”

Facebook confirmed this week that the post had been removed by mistake and was now restored.

It did not comment on whether the punishments had been lifted.

Poor weather this year has seen the crops at Libby’s Patch not grow as well as normal, whereas weeds have thrived.

The dad-of-three and his family had tried to tackle the issue themselves but decided extra hands were needed so put out the Facebook appeal.

The attraction, on Shellow Lane, is known for its sunflower maze and pumpkin picking with the former set to open at the weekend.

Dan says the social media restrictions are particularly disappointing so close to this date.

He can still place some posts and has thanked people for their support in response to one revealing Facebook’s action.

Of the many comments backing Dan and his family there were a number from parents whose children attended the weed pull.

One said: “This is ridiculous, my son was one of the guys that came yesterday, he had a fabulous day.

“He was extremely happy with the payment he received.

“He also said that, once the role was explained, everyone was given the option to leave if they didn’t want to do it.

“How are teenagers supposed to get experience in the world of work if small local businesses can’t even offer paid work to them without being punished for it.“

Facebook has been contacted for comment but only confirmed the post had been removed by mistake and restored.

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