Two Dorset councillors have been branded "snowflakes" after cancelling a public meeting about controversial cycle lanes following consultations with police over their safety.
Andy Hadley and Richard Herrett withdrew from a Question Time-style meeting where they were due to discuss the £120million spent on 50 miles of cycle lanes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The councillors, both keen cyclists, were set to face members of the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole and Dorset Motorists' group.
They told organisers that police had advised them not to attend the meeting.
The motorists' group, established a year ago to oppose the local Transforming Travel scheme, has attracted more than 1,000 members.
The councillors had approached police after expressing concerns about the tone of comments on the group's Facebook page.
Members of the group had referred to elected officials as "council clowns" at the "clowncil".
Personal remarks were also made about Hadley's appearance, with some posts describing him as "a scruffy-looking individual" and comparing him to a "scarecrow".
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Steve Moody, chairman of the motorists' group, said it was "alarming that police appear to have got involved".
He confirmed that as a moderator of the Facebook page, he and two other administrators promptly removed any "improper" comments.
However, Moody maintained he would not "censor public disapproval of council policy".
The motorists' group claims the council schemes have caused significant local disruption.
According to the group, the cycle lanes and 20mph zones have led to gridlocked roads and increased traffic pollution.
They also argue that businesses have been forced to close due to reduced passing trade.
"I think they're confusing criticism of policy with hate. If you're in politics, you have to accept criticism," said Moody.
The 64-year-old retired regional retail manager added: "The implication that their safety would have been in any kind of danger through attending the meeting is upsetting and inappropriate, with no basis in fact."
"We are simply respectful citizens who are unhappy about transport policy, yet we are being treated like an extremist organisation," he said.
Moody accused the council of sidelining the group for openly questioning council policy.
In an email declining the invitation, Hadley wrote: "I'm afraid that reading widespread disinformation and disrespect of myself and other councillors on your Facebook page – and having taken advice including from police – I don't think it would be wise to attend an in-person public meeting."
Dorset Police confirmed they had been approached by the council regarding safety advice.
The council's position was clarified by Janie Berry, director of law and governance, who stated debates should not occur "in an atmosphere in which disrespect and derogatory comments about an individual are tolerated".
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Andy Hadley and Richard Herrett withdrew from a Question Time-style meeting where they were due to discuss the £120million spent on 50 miles of cycle lanes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The councillors, both keen cyclists, were set to face members of the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole and Dorset Motorists' group.
They told organisers that police had advised them not to attend the meeting.
The motorists' group, established a year ago to oppose the local Transforming Travel scheme, has attracted more than 1,000 members.
The councillors had approached police after expressing concerns about the tone of comments on the group's Facebook page.
Members of the group had referred to elected officials as "council clowns" at the "clowncil".
Personal remarks were also made about Hadley's appearance, with some posts describing him as "a scruffy-looking individual" and comparing him to a "scarecrow".
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Steve Moody, chairman of the motorists' group, said it was "alarming that police appear to have got involved".
He confirmed that as a moderator of the Facebook page, he and two other administrators promptly removed any "improper" comments.
However, Moody maintained he would not "censor public disapproval of council policy".
The motorists' group claims the council schemes have caused significant local disruption.
According to the group, the cycle lanes and 20mph zones have led to gridlocked roads and increased traffic pollution.
They also argue that businesses have been forced to close due to reduced passing trade.
"I think they're confusing criticism of policy with hate. If you're in politics, you have to accept criticism," said Moody.
The 64-year-old retired regional retail manager added: "The implication that their safety would have been in any kind of danger through attending the meeting is upsetting and inappropriate, with no basis in fact."
"We are simply respectful citizens who are unhappy about transport policy, yet we are being treated like an extremist organisation," he said.
Moody accused the council of sidelining the group for openly questioning council policy.
In an email declining the invitation, Hadley wrote: "I'm afraid that reading widespread disinformation and disrespect of myself and other councillors on your Facebook page – and having taken advice including from police – I don't think it would be wise to attend an in-person public meeting."
Dorset Police confirmed they had been approached by the council regarding safety advice.
The council's position was clarified by Janie Berry, director of law and governance, who stated debates should not occur "in an atmosphere in which disrespect and derogatory comments about an individual are tolerated".
Find Out More...