Deep divisions, within the Village of Lumby over the proposed provincial correctional facility, are starting to emerge. A sign has been erected on Mabel Lake Road which reads `Prison Town, formally known as Lumby. Population 720 inmates or more.' Acting administrator Ken Klassen admits it can't be taken down because it is outside the Village's jurisdiction. He's planning to inform officials at the North Okanagan Regional District office. Meanwhile, a member of a concerned citizens' group against the proposed jail has expressed concern over the increasingly heated debate going on within the area. Huguette Allen says some opponents of the jail have even been subjected to verbal threats. ``People are already really divided in the community and alot of people are really afraid to say what they think because, you know, there's even been verbal threats from people who really want this prison.'' Allen says some members of the anti-jail faction are starting to feel uncomfortable around the village. ``You go out in town, you go to a pub or go to a restaurant and you're just...now you're starting to look around and say, `gee, who's here', says Allen. ``You're just not feeling that same friendly feeling we always had in our little community. It's kind of disappearing quickly.'' Allen does not know if police have been informed of the threats. She says area residents should remember that whatever the outcome of the April referendum, they will all still have to live beside one another.
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