Council in legal move over Facebook comments
A town council says it is taking legal action over malicious gossip on social media accusing councillors of taking "bribes" or "brown envelopes".
Solicitors have been taken on amid warnings to people about comments they make on sites like Facebook and Twitter.
The remarks were made about members of Welshpool Town Council. In a discussion on Facebook, people accused councillors of taking bribes over plans by discount supermarket Lidl to come to the town.
The action by the council is likely to be observed by authorities in Shropshire, who could follow suit if they consider they have been libelled online.
Councillor Malcolm Douglass, Welshpool mayor, said the council is aware of several posts on the social networking site and has instructed its legal advisors. A person who branded a council staff member a "liar" on a bus would also get a legal letter, he added.
He said: "Councillors encourage people to express their views, this is part of the democratic process. However, there is a line to be drawn when it gets abusive and untrue accusations are made in the public arena.
"The town council is aware of several instances on Facebook, with particular regard to the Lidl planning application, where residents have accused councillors of taking 'bribes' or 'taking brown envelopes'. Those persons will be receiving contact from the council's solicitors over the next few days and action taken. Town councillors are not paid and none of them would even consider taking any incentive from anyone."
He added: "There is also a case recently of a resident calling a member of staff 'a liar' on a local bus going to Castle Caereinion for all to hear. This person will also be hearing from the council's solicitors."
