Chippenham Town Council decides to abandon X account

They'll be closing it down next Friday (1 November)

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 23rd Oct 2024

Chippenham Town Council's stepping away from the social media site X - formerly known as Twitter.

They say it 'no longer feels appropriate' to remain because of a 'significant decline in engagement'.

In a shock move, the council say recent changes on the platform have made them 'reconsider' their use of social media.

They add there's been a 'significant increase in unfiltered and inappropriate content' - and will be deleting their account next Friday.

The full statement read: "The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has been great place to engage with our local community but recent changes on the platform have made us reconsider the Town Council's presence.

"We have noticed a significant increase in unfiltered and inappropriate content which does not align with the Town Council's values. There has also been a significant decline in engagement and relevant interaction on the platform.

"Therefore, it no longer feels appropriate for the Town Council to remain on X, and after careful consideration, we have decided to remove the Town Council's X account on 1 November 2024.

"This will enable all Chippenham Town Council X accounts time to inform their followers about the change for Chippenham Museum, Stanley Park Sports Ground, Neeld Community & Arts Centre, Chippenham Neighboirhood Plan accounts on the platform."

The local Conservative association are urging them to reconsider, calling it a 'crucial' place to inform young poeple.

We've contacted X for a response.

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