Middlesbrough Council raise concerns over bullying and intimidation of staff
A councillor's car was destroyed in an arson attack on Tuesday night, the latest in a string of incidents.
Senior staff at Middlesbrough Council have voiced their concerns after an escalation of alleged bullying and threats against their staff.
It comes after the torching of a councillor's car at some point on Tuesday night, the latest in a string of incidents.
No-one was hurt but the car is understood to have been destroyed. Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade are investigating.
Another councillor’s car was torched earlier this year, and members’ homes have also been targeted.
Today Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd condemned the latest attacks, and called for anyone with information on those responsible to come forward.
He said: “Vigorous debate and robust challenge are part of a healthy democracy, and I will always defend people’s right to make their views known.
“But in a civilised society we cannot allow the cut and thrust of politics to spill over into criminality and violence – that is no way to win an argument.
“To attack someone because of their role as a Councillor is cowardly and undemocratic and has no place in Middlesbrough or anywhere else.
“If such incidents are allowed to continue, it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, and recent events are a chilling reminder of how obsession can run out of control with devastating consequences.
“Those responsible would do better to exercise calm and common sense and to engage in local democracy in a lawful way.
“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in Middlesbrough, and I trust anyone with information will come forward so those behind this cowardly attack are brought to justice.”
A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Acts of arson have a massive impact on our community. These unnecessary fires not only cause damage to property and the environment but also put lives at risk.
“All incidents are fully investigated in partnership with Cleveland Police which includes the monitoring of CCTV footage and where arsonists are identified, they will be prosecuted.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.