ARGUING on social media sites could now see Bury’s councillors facing disciplinary action.

Bury’s 51 elected representatives are increasingly using internet sites such as Twitter and Facebook and online blogs to connect with residents.

But town hall bosses are concerned some could embarrass the council by rowing with each other online after councillors complained about colleagues’ tweets being “disrespectful”.

In February, a meeting of the standards committee saw the code of conduct amended and this was carried at a full council meeting last Wednesday.

The code now requires councillors to “behave in such a way that a reasonable person would regard as respectful”.

Cllr Roy Walker said he hoped it would stop disrespectful tweeting but said the rule change “could be very difficult to enforce”.

Leader Cllr Mike Connolly responded: “It us up to each and every one of us to show self discipline and be careful what we tweet about others.”

Any councillor who now behaves disrespectfully online could be disciplined by the standards committee.