Council staff threatened and abused by public

People are being urged to respect council workers after some have been threatened and sexually harassed in a spate of recent incidents.

East Suffolk Council said a number of its frontline staff that work in waste management had become victims of extreme and threatening behaviour.

As well as this there had been an arson attempt on one of its depots.

Cassandra Clements, managing director at East Suffolk Services that looks after a number of council operations, said the behaviour was "completely unacceptable".

The council said it had seen a rise in reports of verbal abuse experienced by frontline staff.

However, it said some residents had threatened waste and refuse operatives with physical violence after disputes over their bins.

Some bins were also set on fire in front of staff and they were apparently told the same would happen to them.

The incidents have been reported to the police.

"The majority of people our staff come into contact with are grateful of the services we provide," Ms Clements said.

"However, recently, we have seen an increase in aggression and abuse towards our staff under a range of circumstances.

"This is completely unacceptable, and the message is very clear; it will not be tolerated.

"We believe that everyone should be entitled to work in an environment where they feel safe and free from aggression or abuse."

The council's Liberal Democrat deputy leader, Paul Ashton, said staff should be able to work "without fear of abuse or aggression".

"We will seek the strongest possible action against any perpetrators," he said.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Police said the forced echoed the words of the council.

"These people are public servants, just like our own police officers and police staff," they said.

"They all deliver great work and do their upmost to support our communities and it is completely unacceptable these assaults take place during the course of their duties."

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