Pembrokeshire County Council’s leader has issued a stern warning against the online abuse of staff from the Local Authority, emphasizing respect and consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Leader of PCC stated: "Very sadly we have recently seen a troubling increase in the online abuse of Pembrokeshire County Council staff. I want to make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Actions online have consequences in the real world. Naming and abusing individuals goes way beyond any legitimate scrutiny of the Council as a whole.

"Our employees are public servants who work hard to support communities across Pembrokeshire – the communities in which most of our staff also live.”

Cllr Hodgson said that many of the County Council’s employees are carrying out ‘extremely difficult’ roles, often dealing with complex and sensitive situations.

She continued: “They deserve respect, not personal attacks, intimidation or abuse.

"People have every right to question decisions and express their views, but there is a very clear line between legitimate scrutiny and unacceptable behaviour.

“When individuals choose to direct abuse at our staff, they are targeting people who are doing their jobs and serving the public.

"We will stand firmly behind our workforce and will not hesitate to take action where necessary. Serious cases, including threats, harassment and other potentially criminal behaviour, are and will continue to be reported to the police. We will also continue to support staff who find themselves subjected to such conduct.

"Nobody should have to face abuse for doing their job. Please treat our staff with respect they deserve,” she added.

The message from PCC’s leader comes weeks after a spokesperson for the Local Authority confirmed that it recently received a ‘security-related threat’ - admitting that it was not an isolated incident, with a number of unrelated threats directed at PCC in recent months.

A spokesperson for PCC told the Observer at the time: “Pembrokeshire Council can confirm that a potential security threat was reported and was treated seriously in accordance with established protocols. Appropriate assessments were undertaken and relevant agencies were informed.

“There was no disruption to Council services, and the Council continues to operate as normal. For security reasons, we are unable to comment further on the nature of the report or the measures taken in response.”

Following the incident, correspondence sengt out to councilllors and staff from Pembrokeshire Council’s Assistant Chief Executive, Richard Brown, stated: “Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Over recent months, we have seen a number of unrelated threats directed at the Council, and in some cases at individual officers.

Richard Brown
Pembrokeshire Council’s Assistant Chief Executive, Richard Brown, stated: “Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Over recent months, we have seen a number of unrelated threats directed at the Council, and in some cases at individual officers.” (Stock image)

“While such incidents remain uncommon, they serve as an important reminder that we should all remain aware of our surroundings and follow the security arrangements and procedures that are already in place.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff is our highest priority. If anything gives you cause for concern, no matter how minor it may seem, please do not hesitate to report it,” he added.