A POLICY to bar serial complainers who harass or abuse Sandwell councillors and council staff has led to a flood of bitter online complaints.

The Facebook and Twitter objections emerged after it was reported that the authority would sanction people who, under the guise of legitimate complaints or requests for information, behaved in a threatening, racist, sexist or homophobic way.

The sanctions put forward by the council cover face-to-face meetings with staff, public meetings and comments made in emails and on social media.

They could lead to people being barred from local authority buildings or even prosecuted.

But the policy has caused a wave of comments on social media - often aimed at staff and councillors.

Some commentators claimed the council was denying freedom of speech.

One wrote: “Typical Sandwell Council, no freedom of speech if your complaining about this corrupt Council … the whole thing stinks, Sandwell Council should be ashamed of itself.”

Another Facebook user said: “In short…we don’t want to answer your questions and if you keep asking we will gag you. Good honest two way communication then!!!!”

Peter Durnell, the former UKIP candidate for West Midlands Metro Mayor and a critic of the council, has joined in the criticism on Twitter,saying: “The public will still be free to say absolutely anything they like about Sandwell Council, as long as it’s ‘nice’, and not in any way critical. One mild criticism may be allowed, anything more will result in being labelled a ‘serial complainant’ or ‘troll’.”

The 'Engagement and Acceptable Behaviour Protocol Guidance' policy was approved at a meeting of the council’s cabinet this week.

A Sandwell Council spokesman said: “Since the council announced details of the protocol 10 days ago we have not received a single complaint or objection.

“In fact the reaction has been extremely positive with endorsements from unions, staff and partners praising the commitment we have made to ensure open, honest and mutually respectful debate with as many residents and communities as possible.

“This isn’t about curtailing discussion, stopping free speech or preventing people from criticising the council. This guidance sets out how the council wants to have positive conversations with the public.

“Positive engagement with residents is ever more important not only in tackling their immediate needs but in helping to shape our long-term ambitions.

“The council also has a duty to protect members of staff, councillors and other members of the public from harassment, intimidation and abuse.

“In their day-to-day dealings with people, employees and councillors will sometimes come across people who are difficult, abusive or even violent. While not introducing new powers, the guidance highlights the existing ways that councils can deal with these issues as and when they arise.”