COUNCILLORS will discuss how to handle abuse from the public following guidance issued by the Local Government Association.

A guide was issued to all elected members on Blackburn with Darwen Council earlier this year covering topics such as how to handle abuse, both face-to-face, letters or online, and the legal and practical remedies, including the nature of the criminal offences involved and the LGA have confirmed this will be continuously updated with the latest advice and information available.

The council's monitoring officer, David Fairclough, circulated the link to the guide to all councillors in Blackburn with Darwen Council on the date of publication and advised that a review of the guide alongside the council's current local general advice to members would be considered at the next meeting of the standards committee.

Mr Fairclough said: "The guide in its introduction describes becoming and serving as a councillor as a responsibility, a privilege and a hugely rewarding undertaking.

"But also advises that we are aware that an increasing number of councillors and candidates are being subjected to abuse, threats and public intimidation, undermining the principles of free speech, democratic engagement and debate.

"The growth of social media has provided an additional and largely anonymous route for individuals and groups to engage in such activity.

"The guide is not designed to alarm, but to suggest some steps councillors and their council can undertake to protect councillors as a person in a public position, and how to respond should an incident occur.

"Councillors are not employees of the council and do not have the benefit of safeguards in employment legislation if they suffer intimidation.

"However, the council does seek to support councillors to undertake their duties safety and without fear or intimidation.

"Political parties may also offer direct support.

"In undertaking activities as a councillor, councillors are protected by the same legislation relating to intimidation or threats as to any member of the public."