Attleborough Town Council: ‘We need to start working together’

It has become known as Battleborough for its feuding and a gathering of Attleborough’s town council on Monday lived up to its reputation.

Tempers flared again as councillors and members of the public clashed at the extraordinary meeting, called to tackle claims of bullying and harassment.

The session involved two hours of bickering, shouting, finger-pointing, heckles, threats of mass resignation and one walk-out.

The meeting had been arranged to discuss tensions in the town which have been rising for months and are centred on the council.

Residents have been expressing anger at a series of unpopular council decisions, including the move to take back and manage a building used by Attleborough Town Football Club and its scheduling of a Christmas market on the same weekend as an independently-run festive carnival, resulting in its temporary cancellation.

But there has also been criticism of councillors over non-council activities, including their business dealings.

This has led to splits on the council which have also led to factions forming in Attleborough, with people supporting one group of councillors or the other.

In recent weeks, firms in the town have reported being the targets of dirty tricks which they have linked to the unrest, with a hoax £180 Chinese takeaway ordered to a pub and a cleaning firm sent to another company without its knowledge.

Monday’s meeting saw two motions put forward – one to protect councillors from cyberbullying, the second to condemn cyberbullying.

The first motion put forward a review of how councillors could be safeguarded from abuse online.

Amid bickering, Vera Dale, a veteran councillor of more than two decades, said: “When we sit around here we are supposed to be grown-ups.

“We are supposed to be conducting this town’s future, instead we are arguing among ourselves. It’s absolutely idiotic.”

Both motions were passed by one vote. The second motion saw councillors debate whether they would sign a statement condemning bullying and harassment.

Mr Adams said: “What is signing this paper going to do to stop this harassment and defamation of character? Am I going to be able to stop it? No, I’m not.

“The message we need to send out is that we need to start working together.”

Every seat in the chamber was packed and the public were vocal throughout.

A full council meeting will be held tonight.