TENSIONS over Brexit could leave councillors 'vulnerable' to hostility from the public if another election or referendum is called, it has been said.

Blaenau Gwent Cllr Malcolm Cross (Labour, Sirhowy ward) said councillors could be considered a "vulnerable group" due to current divisions over leaving the European Union.

Cllr Cross expressed fears that councillors would be left open to 'challenge' when campaigning on the doorstep, as the council's corporate overview scrutiny committee received an update on the authority's preparations for exiting the EU at a meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting heard that the council is making preparations to help protect vulnerable groups, such as assessing the impact on EU national looked after children.

"Right now as councillors we are a vulnerable group," councillor Cross said.

"If we have another election or referendum, at the end of the day when we are on the doorstep, we are going to be challenged."

Bernadette Elias, head of governance and partnerships at the council, said a councillor at a neighbouring authority had faced such an issue, though she said she was unable to disclose details.

She said: "I know a close, neighbouring local authority where there has been a challenge to an elected member from a member of the public in relation to this issue."

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A council report says work will also be done to monitor community cohesion and any tensions arising towards EU residents, or in the event of a second EU referendum, in a high leave-voting area.

The meeting heard businesses will also be asked about their own concerns, while council officers are being briefed on the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme in the borough.

The report says there are 582 non-UK, non-Irish EU citizens living in Blaenau Gwent, with the figure expecting to rise once children under-18 and adults not registered to vote are considered.

Cllr Joanna Wilkins (Independent, Cwmtillery) asked whether there is any "major risk" at present.

Ms Elias said uncertainty remains over the financial consequences of leaving the EU, with it remaining unclear how the new Shared Prosperity Fund - replacing previous EU funding - will work.