A SOUTHEND councillor says he is on the verge of quitting after coming under “constant abuse and harassment”.

Stephen Aylen, who represents Belfairs ward as a non-aligned councillor, is thinking of “giving up” after 27 years of serving residents.

It comes as he “needs to protect his family and to put a stop to the constant complaints”, which he says he gets when out and about in the community.

Mr Aylen said: “I’m thinking of giving up because I need to protect my family. When I’m out and about, I’m getting constant abuse, such as people calling me lazy and useless, which my wife receives sometimes too.

“Also, when I’m out walking in Belfairs Park, people are always coming up and demanding I fix an issue, of which I can only report.

“Some people understand this and thank me for helping, but others don’t give in, which results in them repeatedly pinging me with emails, getting enraged and pointing the finger at me, and even threatening to go to the press.

“It’s getting too much, and I have reported this to Southend Council, but nothing is being done.

“There needs to be protection and support.”

Council staff have been issued with MySOS personal safety alarms, so employees can call upon in situations where they are threatened or feel uncomfortable.

This week, Tony Cox, the leader of the Conservative-run council, called for more protection for politicians after a protestor dumped glitter on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Labour Party Conference on Tuesday.

Mr Cox said: “Councillors in all parties shouldn’t feel like they’re on their own or suffer in silence.

“I wouldn’t want to hear of any councillor feeling like they’ve got to step down after years of service. I’ve spoken already about the toxicity politicians can face all for simply doing their job of serving for the people. It needs to stop.

“I would urge Stephen to come to me so we can both find a resolution to put a stop to what he’s experiencing.

“Don’t quit but stand your ground rather than let the bullies will get what they want.”