A NEW social media policy is being drawn up for elected members of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

It will be based on an existing blueprint for all borough employees using Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and other internet message servcies..

The council's standards committee, chaired by Corporation Park ward Labour councillor Abdul Rehman, agreed to devise the new policy as part of its Code of Conduct for councillors.

Borough solicitor Sian Roxborough told the committee: "With the ongoing development and wide us of 'social media', there is a need for all elected members to exercise due care and attention in relation to posting messages on social media or entering into exchanges related to their role as councillors."

The document for borough officers and employees sets out hew rules for using such services for work purposes and the need to 'ensure that any personal on-line activity does not interfere with their job'.