A town council has disbanded after members staged a mass walkout in protest at being constantly criticised by a lone internet blogger.
Eleven of the 15 members on Somerton Town Council, in Somerset, resigned after being subjected to three years of online abuse.
The blog was started by resident Niall Connolly, 58, who first attacked the council after plans for a community hall were scrapped.
Councillors claim the blog has become increasingly bitter and personal, with members described as ‘clowns’, ‘hypocrites’ and ‘jackasses’.
One councillor – who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being singled out by the blogger – said: ‘The abuse became too much.
‘The attacks amounted to personal abuse and we’ve tried long and hard to ignore it, but it came to a head this week and councillors simply can’t take any more.
‘It’s a shame as I know a lot of councillors enjoy their work. I appreciate the situation is unusal, but there’s only so much abuse you can take.’
The row started shortly after Mr Connolly moved to Somerton with his wife, who does not want to be named, in 2006.
He became disillusioned with members of the council after promises of a community hall in the town centre failed to materialise.
Mr Connolly launched his blog, entitled Muck&Brass, three years ago and it has escalated into endless claims and counter claims between him and the council.
[More]
As tempting as it would be to shout “yeah for the blog-o-sphere” we’re not getting the whole story here — one irate blogger brings down a local town council? I hardly think so.
I read the first few posts on his blog and it doesn’t really look offensive but, from the sound of things, he was communicating what wasn’t getting out through the news. So instead of the council operating quietly (rewarding their friends and punishing their enemies), the public became aware of the councils’ activities… and didn’t approve…
One of the resigners, ex-cllr Canvin, was quoted on BBC2′s flagship ‘Newsnight’ as saying, “What business interests?”. Yes indeed.
Love and best wishes.
Niall
Take care, Niall and “put the pedal to the metal“…It’s a north american truckers expression.