The mayor of Sandbach has condemned the online criticism of town council staff "who are unable to defend themselves".

In a statement released today (16 February), Cllr Geraint Price Jones described discussing internal staffing matters on public forums as a "direct failure in our duty of care".

While not named in the statement, Cllr David Jack has been a vocal critic of the town council's decision to give staff a "working from home allowance".

Cllr Price Jones said: "Sandbach Town Council, like any employer, has a duty of care to all its staff and to manage potential problems as they arise.

"It has recently been brought to our attention that they are being openly criticised through social media, which is not an appropriate forum and is in contravention of our own social media policy."

The mayor described social media sites like Facebook as "no place for the criticism of staff as they are unable to defend themselves and maintain their neutrality".

Cllr Price Jones said all staffing matters should be dealt with through the "established procedures and in confidence".

Cllr Jack is currently not allowed to directly contact staff due to allegations of bullying over email and must direct any correspondence through the mayor.

The mayor added: "Our staff have had an ever-changing workload, working conditions, health concerns, legislation and advice, and have never complained but have continued to give excellent service.

He also referenced a recent vote in which all councillors present supported a motion to "support the actions of our staff".

Commenting underneath the statement released on Facebook, Cllr Jack said: "Social media is exactly the right forum for members of the public and elected members to engage in debate and discussion and share ideas."

He went onto describe Cllr Price Jones as a "totalitarian dictator" who is against "freedom of expression".

Cllr Jack also faced criticism from a mental health worker at last Thursday's (11 February) full council meeting over his online conduct.

Lucy Oliver told the meeting: "We have documented the detriment that [David Jack's] public malicious comments have had on others mental health in the last few months."

Ms Oliver referenced a number of online comments allegedly made by Cllr Jack including "ridiculing" a young persons mental health issues and referring to Cllr Sam Corcoran, the leader of Cheshire East Council, as having an "autistic illness".

Ms Oliver added: "I am disgusted that a person in office sees fit to make derogatory comments like this. His and his supporters' actions; taunting people's mental health are the reason we set up a mental health group of months ago."

Cllr Jack has always denied the bullying allegations against him and previously described them as "mudslinging" from the town council's Labour group.