The leader and deputy leader of Maldon District Council have both resigned after reporting staff were receiving threats of abuse following a chaotic council meeting.
Cllr Wendy Stamp and Cllr Stephen Nunn have both stepped down, stating the decision would help the council move forward and protect staff and councillors from further abuse.
The council has received national attention after police were called to a council meeting, with one councillor accused of breaching the peace.
Head of paid service, Richard Holmes, said: 'These resignations come at a difficult time for Maldon District Council, however, as a local authority, we cannot state strongly enough that the media attention the council has received in recent weeks has led to abuse against staff and councillors. Staff are receiving daily episodes of abuse and threats of violence.
'We are putting out a message of zero tolerance and want to put a stop to unnecessary hateful behaviour, fuelled by unsubstantiated allegations. Our staff are simply doing their job and are key workers. They have every right to feel safe in the workplace and in their community.'
Photo: Chinorlet
