A Cumbrian Town Council has called out alleged “malicious remarks” made about one of its councillors and employees, as it looks for new councillors.

Egremont Town Council took to social media to express that any form of abuse towards councillors or employees of the council is unacceptable.

In the statement Egremont Town Council wrote: “Egremont Town Council is saddened to report that recently, one of our Town Councillors was at the receiving end of malicious remarks on social media where a Town Council employee was also named.

“Town Council employees act on the direction of the Town Council and it is not acceptable to drag them into disputes or issues that people may have with individual Town Councillors or Egremont Town Council as a whole.

“Any kind of abuse towards Councillors and/or employees whether it is face to face or hidden behind the screen of social media is NOT acceptable and the Town Council will utilise their right and report such issues to the police.

“Unfortunately, there is evidence that abuse is so high that well respected Councillors are leaving their post and it is deterring future potential Councillors from standing, thankfully it is only a minority of people who, rather than contact the Town Council to raise their concerns, would rather spread this gossip whether it is true or not and without any thoughts for the person it is directing this abuse to or their family members.”

They went on to remind people that the councillors are volunteers who give up their free time to attend monthly meetings, site visits and meetings about the town and that they work across the political spectrum for the benefit of the town.

“We are a cohesive Council who work well together and do a lot for the community, we wouldn’t have a Egremont Winter Wonderland event or Christmas Lights, we wouldn’t have maintenance of the Castle, one of the towns greatest assets,” the council added.

The statement finished with: “Our Councillors are very approachable but cannot make any decisions as an individual Councillor, however you can also pop into our Town Council office where you will find our staff are very helpful and will do their best to assist you.

“Therefore please think twice before posting on social media, follow the correct procedure and act with respect and courtesy as you too would expect to be treated.”

There are currently two vacancies on the council and if this is of interest to you then please email Egremont Town Council at contact@egremonttowncouncil.co.uk to express your interest by May 31, 2024.

For more information about the Town Council and what responsibilities are then please visit their website for more information.