Medway councillors speak of threats and verbal abuse

Councillors in Medway have suffered verbal abuse and threatening phone calls

Councillors in Medway say they have received envelopes filled with broken glass, petrol through the letterbox and threatening phone calls.

Several have reported verbal abuse and rude gestures while out campaigning.

Councillor Adrian Gulvin, leader of the council's Conservative group, said he had received "two very serious threats which had to be dealt with by police".

He said his letterbox had to be "temporarily sealed due to fears of petrol being poured through".

Mr Gulvin added: "Family members should not have to put up with that sort of abuse.

"These threats do nag at the back of your mind and give you pause every so often because someone might want to hurt you or your loved ones."

'Crosses a line'

The Local Government Association (LGA) has asked for extra money to be provided to protect ward surgeries.

It has called for rules to make it easier for councillors to retract personal information such as telephone numbers for greater protection, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Gareth Myton, group whip for Labour in Medway, said "eventually you get to a point" where behaviour against councillors "crosses a line".

He added: "I talked to one councillor who has had at least two envelopes stuffed full of broken glass through their front door with their name on it.

"I don't think anybody would think that is the right thing to do."

Earlier this week, a Surrey councillor said people "scowling at her" on dog walks and sending "nasty" emails led her to decide she would not stand again.