Online Harassment Targets Local Councillors in Hoveton

Politicians often ⁣face criticism, but Hoveton Community ⁢Council members have‍ been dealing with a unique ​challenge. ⁤For three ​years,⁤ they ⁤have been targeted by anonymous local residents who post malicious comments on a fake online newspaper called ‌the Hoveton and Belaugh Bugle.

The accusations‍ range from wasting public ​funds to unfounded claims of nepotism and​ cronyism. One councillor, Kerry Walker, has been personally targeted, with ⁣trolls booking her for a psychiatric ‍assessment, a window replacement,‌ a home valuation, and even adding her​ to the Reform UK mailing list.

Walker, ⁣who is also the MP for Norfolk ⁤Broads, described ‌the experience as “bizarre” ⁤and likened it to being in her own “Baby Reindeer”⁢ story. The online harassment has also included​ comments suggesting ⁢she would be shot, prompting ‌Norfolk police ⁣to investigate. However,⁣ the investigation was closed last month due⁣ to a ​lack of evidence.

The Hoveton and Belaugh‍ Bugle Facebook ​page, which has 174 followers, claims ⁣to be run by an “Edwardian curtain twitcher⁣ expert” ⁣and‌ features ‍posts that mock‍ the‌ local council and ⁣its members. One recent​ post urged fans ​to “join the Parish Council, it comes with power, privileges, and a little bit‍ of favoritism.”

The page also features fake “allergy alerts” showing ​photos of council members and ‍claiming they are ‍”allergic” to declarations of personal interest. ⁣Complaints about council tax increases and staff salaries have also been posted, along with‍ accusations of parish wardens taking long periods of sick leave.

North Norfolk District Council’s watchdog received a complaint from‌ the Bugle that Walker had failed to disclose a ⁣conflict of interest at​ a meeting in January. However, Walker denied⁤ any ‌wrongdoing, ​and the committee declined to pursue the matter further due to a⁣ lack ‌of evidence.

Walker expressed her ‌concerns about the harassment, stating that‌ “it’s a shame that⁢ working in local government and trying to make our communities better ⁤places exposes ⁣people to this ⁢kind of​ harassment.” Current chairman⁣ Russell Reeve‍ echoed her sentiments, saying that the council needs to send ⁢a⁢ firm message that⁢ they are ⁤an open and honest‍ organisation and that individuals should come to them ⁤with concerns rather than relying on Facebook posts.

Norfolk Police​ have been⁢ contacted for comment on the matter.