Measures to combat council staff abuse

Welshpool Town Council is to take measures to combat abuse on its staff which has increased since the launch of the town’s one-way system in February.

 

Alarm bells have rung after both councillors and staff reported an increase in angry exchanges with members of the public, and the town council has decided to act before the abuse becomes physical.

 

Town Clerk Robert Robinson said that while the majority of residents got their comments across in a professional way, “one or two” had been abusive.

 

However he has rejected the recommendation to improve security at its offices with CCTV to record every person that comes in and out of the building, saying they don't want to put people off coming in with views and suggestions. There will be signs erected to warn that abuse will not be tolerated.

 

“A policy will be introduced whereby any person who is offensive is not dealt with but must come back another time,” said Mr Robinson.

 

The one-way system has been the topic of heated debate since it was introduced with critics saying it has caused more traffic problems than it has solved. However, Mr Robinson has again reiterated his view that it is certainly no worse than before and that the alternative of more traffic lights would have been a "disaster".