Rude e-mails sent to councillors

Abusive e-mails have been sent to two Shropshire councillors in a row over a new deputy mayor.

A £200 reward has now been put up for information leading to the identification of the culprit who has targeted two members of Telford & Wrekin Council.

Councillors Vic Tonks and Helen Williams have both been targeted and a police probe has so far failed to flush him out.

All that is known of the writer is he calls himself Jon Ledbury and gives an address in Dawley, although electoral roll checks reveal no such person in the borough and no-one of that name lives at that address

Now Dave Barnett, from Arleston, near Wellington, a friend of both councillors, has put up a £200 reward for information leading to the identity of the e-mailer.

The writer launched a torrent of abuse by e-mail at Councillor Tonks and Councillor Williams for not backing Councillor Kuldip Singh Sahota in the vote for deputy borough mayor at the council's annual meeting last week.

The Telford & Wrekin People's Association members, who both represent Dawley, said they were deeply shocked by the attacks and Councillor Sahota has also hit out at the perpetrator.

Councillor Sahota said: "I absolutely condemn the sending of these e-mails.

"Whoever is responsible is quite despicable."

Councillor Tonks said abusive mail was sent to him and Councillor Williams by "Jon Ledbury" the day after the annual council meeting on May 21 and on May 26.

He said: "The mail was a fallout from the annual council meeting and was full of abuse. We put the matter in the hands of the police."

Councillor Williams said: "I was devastated by what was written. Part of the rant contained a particularly serious and libellous remark."

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, confirmed a report had been made about an individual sending abusive e-mails.

He said: "We have sent advice to the e-mail address advising the writer about their conduct and future behaviour."

A man living at the address in Dawley given by the writer said: "I have lived here for years and have absolutely no idea who Jon Ledbury is. I'd like to get my hands on them if anyone does find out."

Mr Barnett urged anyone with information to contact him on (01952) 244922.

By Simon Hardy