Meeting called over 'bullying'

The report claimed women, in particular, had been bullied

An emergency meeting to examine the effect of alleged bullying and harassment at a Devon council has been called.

It follows renewed calls for resignations after a damning report of Torridge District Council.

The meeting will discuss the serious allegations made by outside assessors of the council.

The report said there was "widespread and persistent bullying" and the council was paralysed by fear.

Although the report said there should not be a witch hunt, council vice-chairman Alan Eastwood has called for resignations from councillors he said knew had failed their constituents and brought shame on the council.

We have got to ensure bullies are not allowed in the confines of Torridge District Council

Alan Eastwood, council vice-chairman

The review was carried out by senior figures from Forest of Dean and Shropshire councils under the government's Comprehensive Performance Assessment.

The report said the bullying attitude of a few councillors was responsible for a climate of fear that made the council directionless, archaic, and under-performing.

It said women, in particular, were bullied, and the atmosphere created by just a few members of the council had led to serious stress and poor performance.

Fresh start

Cllr Eastwood, the leader of the new Community Alliance which returned nine councillors in elections at the beginning of May, said he believed a fresh start was needed.

"This is certainly not a witch hunt.

"There are lots of things in the report which, even if bullying wasn't mentioned, are still horrifying and we have got to move on and do things.

"But we can't ignore what has gone on, for the sake of the staff - those who are still with us and those that were forced out because of bullying.

"We have got to ensure bullies are not allowed in the confines of Torridge District Council."