Council steps up security after public order incident in Newbury offices

West Berkshire Council has increased security at its Newbury offices after a public order incident last Friday.

A 58-year-old man has been arrested and bailed while police investigate threatening and insulting behaviour allegations after staff and councillors were threatened on the afternoon of Friday, August 30.

Eyewitnesses report that a man was seen brandishing a bottle of whisky, which he then smashed, and started throwing bits of glass at passers by.

The 58-year-old man from Newbury was arrested on suspicion of using threatening/abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

He has been released on police bail until November 29 while investigations continue.

Council chief executive Nigel Lynn said security had been put in place in reception at the Market Street HQ.

He said: “Our staff work hard to provide a good service for residents and it is disappointing that they have to experience behaviour such as this when trying to help people.

“It can leave our staff and our councillors feeling unsettled and we are taking action in response to this.

“This includes temporarily putting in place a security presence in the reception area over the next couple of weeks.”

Council leader Jeff Brooks also voiced his concern over the potential threat from members of the public on elected officials, saying he has “concerns for their safety”.