A Norfolk council has begun issuing long-term bans for members of the public after its meetings were repeatedly disrupted by protestors.

Thetford Town Council has already excluded one person after a series of chaotic sessions which have been attended by a group of campaigners, known as Thetford Council Watch. 

The crowd regularly attend meetings of the authority to raise topics such as sex education in schools, climate change and the use of vaccines, and council staff have called the police on several occasions in an effort to restore order to the sessions. 

Councillors have now agreed to ban a member of the public from attending meetings for one year due to the individual having been "disruptive".

The person, who has not been named, has yet to be informed.

 

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THETFORD?

Thetford Council Watch, previously known as the Thetford Sovereign Council and before that the Thomas Paine Independents - after the town's most famous son whose writings influenced the American Revolution and the Enlightenment - attend council meetings to raise topics such as sex education in schools, transgender issues and the use of vaccines. 

A meeting of Thetford Council WatchA meeting of Thetford Council Watch (Image: LSB Film Productions) READ MORE: Furious allotment holders bring out their pitchforks amid shock eviction notice

However, their biggest gripe is with the council's recent decision to declare a "climate emergency" and commit £30,000 to tackling it, arguing there are better ways to spend the money in the town.

The group say they are holding authority to account in the name of "freedom and common sense", and go to the meetings to express their views and scrutinise councillors.

The council hired a private security team to "safeguard councillors" after the group disrupted a series of consecutive meetings. 

Police officers have also been called to several sessions, but members of the council - including South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy - have criticised the level of support received. 

Police officers attending a meeting of Thetford Town CouncilPolice officers attending a meeting of Thetford Town Council (Image: LSB Film Productions) CRACKING DOWN

The authority has long refrained from formally addressing the issue but has lately begun cracking down on the protestors. 

Following a meeting last month, a spokesman for the council said there had been name-calling, unsolicited phone calls, and other verbal interruptions throughout the session.

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A security guard watches over a meeting of Thetford Town CouncilA security guard watches over a meeting of Thetford Town Council (Image: LSB Film Productions) They added: "During the proceedings, several individuals received verbal warnings regarding their conduct, and one attendee was issued a formal warning letter.

"These measures were taken to uphold the council's commitment to a respectful and orderly environment, where public participation can occur without intimidation or hostility.

"The council encourages public engagement and values questions and contributions from residents on local matters.

"However, it stresses that all attendees must conduct themselves respectfully, refraining from disruptive or inappropriate behaviour, including any personal or disparaging remarks toward others.

"Continued disruptive behaviour, particularly through personal attacks and unprofessional conduct, undermines the constructive discourse needed to address the town’s needs and challenges and ultimately prevents councillors from being able to conduct council business.

"The council will continue to work with law enforcement and legal advisors to ensure that public meetings remain accessible and respectful spaces, safeguarding both the democratic process and the integrity of council operations."

The authority called an 'extraordinary' meeting of councillors this week, where they agreed unanimously to ban a member of the public from future sessions. 

The individual will receive a letter informing them of their exclusion for a one-year period due to having "disrupted" meetings of the council. 

Further notices could be issued if any member of the public exhibits "persistent or severe" behaviour that "significantly disrupts" the business of the council at one or more meetings.