TOWN councillors could be forbidden from speaking to the Press under a new media protocol.

Barnard Castle Town Council's modernisation committee is to discuss implementing the protocol, which allow only the clerk and certain councillors to act as spokesmen rather than individual councillors giving their views.

However, the clerk, Geoff Bosworth, said the protocol is not intended to gag members, but rather to present a united front as a council.

He said: "It's not a case of trying to create any sort of gagging of the Press.

"We're sometimes not all agreeing on things and these disagreements can be expressed at meetings.

"But, once a decision is made everybody has to abide by it.

"There's no real hidden agenda it's more trying to make the council look more together and not a bunch of individuals.

"Whether that stops free speech, that's what the debate will be about."

The media protocol has been drafted by the chairman of the modernisation committee, Councillor Pam Grunwell. It states: "It is inappropriate for an individual councillor to comment further on an issue discussed or a resolution made at the council or committee meeting.

"In any other circumstances when a member of the media seeks the view of the town council on a particular issue, and contacts an individual councillor, the matter should be referred to the clerk, who acts as the council's spokesperson in this context."

The clerk would consult with the mayor or deputy mayor, and/or the chairman of the appropriate committee before making a response.

The protocol adds: "Individual councillors should ensure, when talking to the media, that their personal views are not represented as those of the council as whole.

"Further to this, when providing the media with information or an opinion, or indeed writing a letter to the Press, it is important that councillors distance themselves from their role as members of the town council."

Mr Bosworth said the media protocol was one of several ideas the council was looking at.

Councillor John Watson said that he hoped the protocol would prevent information from being leaked, as has happened in the past.

He added: "If there are breaches, then councillors could be called to account."