Market Drayton Town Council acts after string of abusive emails and complaints
Market Drayton Town Council has adopted a new policy for dealing with complaints after allegedly receiving a string of abusive emails and persistent requests.
Town mayor David Minnery said the council had been receiving frequent abusive emails and demands which have taken up 80 hours of office time.
As a result the council has decided to draw up what it is calling a "vexation policy".
Councillor Minnery said: "The reasons we thought adopting this policy was necessary is we are currently at the receiving end of persistent questioning from one individual.
"So far they alone have taken up 80 hours of office time. Because of this we have had to take on additional help.
"We are struggling to meet deadlines and members have to step in to help with admin.
"This particular individual is now quoting information not in the public domain.
"I am not prepared to sit by and see time being wasted.
"This policy is a way of protecting our staff from vile language and behaviour.
"I don't mind what they call me as I have thick skin but we have a duty of care to the people we employ.
"Everyone has a right to pursue their employment peacefully."
The policy has been taking into account the local government ombudsman advice.
It states: "As with any organisation, there will be times when Market Drayton Town Council receives complaints from members of the public and may also experience calls on staff time from people who may visit to raise issues more often than others.
"In the event that a complainant or visitors begins to make an unreasonable level of contact with the town council and has the potential to impact or hinder the normal day to day running of the town council, the town clerk will implement the policy.
"If a complainant behaves in an unacceptable way the town clerk, in consultation with a panel of three members, may decide to refuse all contact with the person and stop any investigation into their complaint.
"Restrictions will be tailored to the individual circumstance and may include banning the person from making contact with the town council in person, by telephone or by email."
Market Drayton Town Council councillors agreed to adopt the new vexation policy to deal with abusive, persistent or vexatious complaints and complainants.
