Maldon District Council has launched a campaign against hate crime today (Monday, 15 November), in response to "ongoing attacks" on staff.

The Enough is Enough campaign is asking all local authorities and blue light services in Essex to support the council in stating "there must be zero tolerance to hate crime at work and in our communities".

Bodies across Essex are being encouraged to use the hashtag #EnoughIsEnough and the image above to show their support for the campaign.

Richard Holmes, head of paid service at Maldon District Council, said: "Staff at the council in recent weeks and months have been subjected to threats of physical violence, they have been intimidated and experienced harassment and aggressive verbal abuse, in person and online.

"Our staff have the right to feel safe in the workplace and in the community they live.

"Actions of individuals in the past months and recent media attention has prompted an increase in the number of hate crime incidents staff are being subjected to.

"Hate crime describes a range of behaviours and can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, both online and offline, and damage to property.

"It is a serious offence causing significant harm and distress to our staff and we have a genuine concern for their wellbeing and safety and have taken steps to ensure their safety is a priority.

"Nobody in any workplace should experience what our staff have been subjected to, it is as simple as that.

"Enough is enough.

"We welcome the support and concern we have already received and ask all local authorities and blue light services to take part in this campaign."

Members of the council have reported receiving daily abuse and harassment since a full council meeting descended into chaos earlier this month.

The meeting was discussing sanctions against Councillor Chrisy Morris, after two independent investigations recommended he had bullied council members.

The first investigation also found he had disclosed confidential information regarding a former councillor on social media.

Police officers said Councillor Morris was "breaching the peace" after he arrived with a megaphone and repeatedly shouted "point of order", but no arrests were made.

Councillor Wendy Stamp resigned as leader of the council last week, alongside Councillor Stephen Nunn, who resigned as deputy leader "in support".

In a statement, Councillor Stamp said she was stepping down to "ensure what this council and its staff have been subjected to in recent weeks stops".

Councillor Richard Siddall is now leader designate of the council, while Councillor Jeanette Stilts is the new deputy leader.

Councillor Siddall published an open letter today (Monday, 15 November) calling for an end to abuse of staff, in efforts to "move on" from the recent controversy.

You can read the letter in full here.