TOWN Hall bosses could introduce security measures at meetings after an “abhorrent and unacceptable” protest.

William Hones, of Marine Parade East, Clacton, wore a gas mask to a Tendring Council meeting and “deliberately” coughed during a minute’s silence to late councillor John Hughes.

He sat in the front row of the public gallery during the meeting at Clacton Town Hall last month and recorded councillors on his mobile phone.

Council leader Neil Stock criticised Mr Hones’ actions and welcomed an announcement by chief executive Ian Davidson of a security review.

Mr Stock said councillors felt “intimidated and uncomfortable” by the incident.

“We believe in democracy in this country and we have the right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest,” he said. “But our security arrangements are lax. We are going to have to bring in some sort of security.

“In my time as a councillor there have been some robust exchanges in the council chamber, but we have not had anything so fundamentally uncivilised as interrupting prayers or a minute’s silence for a deceased councillor.”

Mr Stock claimed Mr Hones’ actions were “designed to intimidate and scare” and said councillors would not feel free to make decisions if they feared for their safety.

But Alton Park councillor Alex Porter said the reaction to the protest was “ridiculous”.

“It’s not going to happen again and I don’t think security and reviews are necessary,” he said.

“We should just get on with it.”

Increased security could include rules on filming meetings.

Alresford councillor Gary Scott also raised concerns about security at planning meetings, where councillors have been confronted over controversial decisions.

Following January’s meeting, Mr Hones told the Gazette he wore the gas mask because of the “stench of hypocrisy”.

“When I think an organisation has no respect, I’m not going to show respect,” he added.