TWO councillors have been asked to take part in Jeremy Kyle-style mediation sessions after almost coming to blows in the middle of a council chamber, leaving officials feeling anxious.

Both Kerry Smith, former deputy leader, and Tory Phil Turner, have been urged to sit down and resolve an argument, after they were reminded “not to solve things with fists” during a meeting.

Mr Smith, councillor for Nethermayne ward, had invited Mr Turner, councillor for Billericay West, “outside”, after they were embroiled in a verbal spat.

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Leaked documents, seen by the Echo, reveal how Basildon Council’s standards board has taken no action, other than to schedule mediation sessions - if the councillors agree.

According to the documents, officers now feel increasingly anxious about attending meetings, caused by the outburst.

Mr Turner, has refused to attend the mediation, saying: “There’s no way I should be going to this, none of it was my fault. He started it, not the other way around. I’m offended that I’ve even been asked.”

At a housing and estate renewal committee, councillor Jeff Henry was seen moving his chair away from the desk in order to stop the pair coming face-to-face.

Mr Smith added: “I’m more than happy to do this, as long as it’s supervised.

“It’s a bit like Jeremy Kyle.

Jeremy Kyle is coming to Basildon.

“If this resolves it, I’ll attend the sessions.”

At the time of the incident, both Mr Smith and Mr Turner accused each other of bullying.

In a decision notice, council monitoring officer Paul Burkinshaw, said the incident went beyond what would be considered to be the usual rough and tumble.

He added: “It was in close proximity to several people who found the experience of witnessing two men having such an exchange extremely uncomfortable and to a degree intimidating and frightening.”

He said the most appropriate response was “other action” in the form of conciliation/mediation.

He added: “This would rely on both parties being willing to participate, but nevertheless it was considered to be the most appropriate response.”