A comment allegedly posted by a council official that said a pub in Scunthorpe was a “haven for all-day boozers and tattooed chavs” has caused controversy. The debate has again shone the light on the use of social media. Shaun Ringwood looks at the pros and cons of using Twitter and Facebook.

Social media is one of the most important communication tools on the globe today.

It is also one of the most perilous.

Whether it is footballers having a go at their fans or politicians saying something they should not, websites such as Facebook and Twitter have become a focal point in the modern conversation.

One incident sparked fury after a tweet was posted by @Bully103 [John Bullivent]. This Twitter account is believed to have belonged to John Bullivent, manager of the digital inclusion unit at North Lincolnshire Council.

The tweet was about the Foundry Arms pub in Scunthorpe and read: "Demolish the dump. It's just a haven for all-day boozers and tattooed chavs."

North Lincolnshire Council confirmed it is carrying out an internal investigation.

A council spokesman said: "The council is aware of what has been reported and will carry out an internal investigation into what has happened. However, we do not comment on individual cases involving employees."

Serious questions have been raised about the use of social media by employees, not just at North Lincolnshire Council, but in any organisation.

Nic Dakin, Labour MP for Scunthorpe and Twitter user, said social media had its good and bad points.

"Everybody needs to be careful with what they say when using social media sites like Twitter," he said.

"The main advantage is that it is so easy to use, but this can also be a potential pitfall. "People can say things before they have had a chance to think them through.

"What may seem witty or comical in one instance, can be seen as crass when broadcast to the public.

"I would advise everyone to think carefully before they tweet."

Ian Cawsey, former MP for Brigg and Goole and a regular Twitter user, said: "Social media sites like Twitter are a great way for people to communicate with one another.

"But you have to bear in mind that everything you say is recorded. I ask myself, 'Is this something that I am content can be quoted back to me?'

"You have to be cautious, especially if your job is in the public eye. People love to see personality on social media sites, but you have to be cautious.

"There is a degree of responsibility that must be remembered by anyone using social media."

The council is looking to focus on training staff who use social media.

The plans are supported by people who use The Foundry Arms, who say they are still outraged by the alleged comments made about their beloved play zone.

The Arms, which incorporates two children's play areas called Pandarama and Nemo and a 75-cover bistro, was opened on July 16.

Thirteen days later, the owners were told by North Lincolnshire Council to close down over fears the next-door multi-storey car park might collapse.

The council has now decided that the Pandarama Playzone and The Foundry Arms will be rebuilt, refitted and reopened.

But members of the public remain incensed by the alleged comments made on Twitter.

Teresa Seeley, 40, has two disabled children who regularly used the play area at the Foundry Arms. She feels that social media needs to be more closely regulated by the council.

She said: "In this instance, the council needs to take note of what has allegedly happened, and come up with a set of rules. Although these are said to be the words of an individual, if they are his words, I think they paint a poor picture of North Lincolnshire Council in general for a large portion of the community.

"Whether this comment was made by an officer or not, it is important that the council reviews the use of social media by staff.

"There are lots of pros and cons to social media. Although the alleged comments on Twitter caused a lot of anger, it was through Facebook that supporters of The Foundry Arms were able to start a campaign to have it re-opened.

"There was a great response on the Facebook page to get the Pandarama Playzone re-opened, and it seems as though it may have helped the council change its mind."

Supporters of the Pandarama Playzone Facebook page were delighted to hear that the council was willing to rebuild the Foundry Arms, and voiced their support on the social networking site.

Leanne Hope, from Scunthorpe, wrote: "Fantastic news, so glad the local people can benefit from something worthwhile, where every child no matter of their age, race or ability is welcomed. We look forward to the opening."

Kayla Jones, from Scunthorpe, posted: "Can't wait. My little boy loved this place. And due to his severe special needs, it is the only place suitable and he feels comfortable going. Can't wait for the grand reopening."

The group Lincs Majorettes posted from its Facebook page, saying: "Really pleased this situation has been resolved to a satisfactory level.

"You guys have really worked hard for Pandarama and the Foundry Arms.

"Can't wait to see you all again and see the place up and running."

North Lincolnshire Council carried out a review in November about social media.

The council's corporate scrutiny panel looked at how to interact with communities and train staff more effectively in the use of social media..

Recommendations are to be put in place as a result of the review.

These will see a social media audit carried out by bosses looking at the use of social media within the community, and the potential for the council and councillors to engage with it.

Another will see the council develop and consult on a social media strategy for North Lincolnshire Council.

A report on the matter says: "In particular, procedures and training for staff and councillors need to be devised.

"This strategy should act as the over-arching policy for the council, but each service area should be responsible for the creation of its own content, monitoring usage and any subsequent interaction."

Sarah Medley, 41, a full-time carer from Scunthorpe and keen user of social media, said all organisations should have a strict set of guidelines for staff.

"If people want to use social media, there is no issue with that," she said.

"I work in a voluntary position as a welfare benefits assistant, and we have very strict rules on how to behave online."

Mr Bullivent was unavailable for comment.