Gwynedd councillors have taken measures to protect their safety whilst carrying out their roles.

Using Operation Ford – an initiative providing police help and support for elected members – and getting advice on how to handle suspicious emails are among the measures taken.

Details emerged on Tuesday, 3 November, whilst discussing the report, ‘Councillor Safety’.

The report said: “As previously reported, we are aware councillors are facing incidents and/or threats as a result of their role,” adding the safety of members “has been and continued to be a priority” for the service.

“We are aware many councillors face threats in their communities and we are available to offer advice and support to individual members when safety or well-being matters arise.”

Dyffryn Ardudwy councillor Eryl Jones Williams sought help when he became concerned about some emails.

“I started to have doubts about this person,” he said.

“I was advised to send an email back and specifically ask who they were, request their name, address and postcode, and possibly their phone number,” he said.

“I did that, and the emails immediately stopped, that showed me that someone was sending me emails under a fake name. The matter was resolved in a matter of days.”

Pwllheli North councillor Elin Hywel contacted Operation Ford after an incident in Pwllheli.

“They really are excellent,” she said.

“I worry though, there is always responsibility on individual councillors to know what to do and when to do it.

“Often you think these things will not happen to you. So, when things do happen it is too late to figure out what you were meant to do.

“There is also a disproportionate impact on some individuals.

“I do think it is important to push back against this culture. We are in a public facing role but we should not have to face harassment.”