‘APPALLING’ behaviour levelled at council staff who head up the town’s special educational needs provision has been condemned and labelled as social media ‘misinformation’.

Councillor Peace said he was shocked by people allegedly exploiting families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for ‘political gain’ on Facebook.

He said: “More broadly, on SEND, in recent weeks we’ve seen things on social media.

“I must emphasise that staff are doing their very best any families out there that are struggling can contact the team.

“I find it absolutely appalling that there are people that want to exploit our young people and families who have got SEND needs for their own political game.

“We will not continue to have this used as a political football and having staff members abused when they’re doing their best.”

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton also warned residents to be ‘very careful’ about what they read on social media.

He added: “It is, quite frankly, the wild west and a lot of rubbish and misinformation gets out there.

“Sometimes it’s accidentally done but sadly, more often than not, it’s done deliberately by people with their own agendas, be that political or otherwise.

“Vulnerable families, parents and children should be very, very careful about what they see and hear if you do have issues, come and talk to us.

“Unfortunately it’s the same people who dip into other areas as well for some reason.”