Fears seats will go unopposed in Gloucestershire due to abuse

Councillors say they often get "nasty" messages from people

Concerns have been raised that no-one will put their "head above the parapet" and stand in local elections due to the amount of abuse councillors can face.

Gloucestershire's civic chiefs said they often receive "nasty insults and derogatory comments".

Councillor Andy Lewis added: "I wouldn't be surprised if some of the seats at Gloucester City Council go unopposed at the next election.

"How are the parties going to find people if we are open to abuse?"

The issue is widespread across England and Wales as a Local Government Association poll found last year that seven out of 10 councillors experienced abuse over the previous year.

Gloucester City Council's culture and leisure cabinet member, Mr Lewis, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he has received dozens of insults and intimidation since becoming a councillor, but said it has been much worse for many of his colleagues.

'Worrying'

He said: "We've had some really nice letters slagging us off. It's a sign of the times, we are constantly insulted.

"It's a worrying state of affairs. We are not councillors for our own benefit, I'll tell you that."

Cotswold District Council unanimously agreed last year to denounce such behaviour, which councillors said was spreading from social media into real life.

Just last month Cheltenham Borough Council had to bring in extra security measures and now the public is asked to register in advance of attending meetings after an anti-5G group refused to leave a meeting and shouted abuse at councillors.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has seen one of the recent letters sent to Mr Lewis.