A CONSERVATIVE councillor has shown support for a Labour counterpart after he received 'toxic' abuse and threats.

Cllr Shaun Blezard has reported threats to the police and has criticised the 'toxic culture' that has invaded his public life.

He called for people to be 'kind and courteous' after stepping down before the next election.

Jay Zaccarini showed his support for Cllr Blezard.

He said: "He should never have been in this position. It’s so sad and totally unacceptable.

"I know myself how people round here are happy to sit behind their keyboards dishing out abuse to local councillors and others, mostly anonymously too.

"When will people understand that words do seriously effect people.

"It’s even worse when local political figures are actually behind/set up certain pages that actually stir up hatred towards certain people in the area just because of their political views, yet they preach about being kind and talk about mental health."