POLICE were called to a resident who sent text messages to councillors about new cycle lanes.

Don Bissell, 69, took the phone numbers of each councillor from Brighton and Hove City Council’s website.

He said he had been sending texts – and emails – asking questions about the controversial lanes being installed across the city.

Sussex Police said they received a complaint of “unwarranted messages” from a woman, who The Argus understands is a city councillor.

Mr Bissell, who is retired, said: “I have been texting all councillors who have their mobile number published and emailing the remainder on a daily basis asking questions about cycle lanes, financial policy, local governance etc. Needless to say I have received very few replies.

“However I was contacted by Brighton Police to say that I have been reported by some councillors for harassment, as I am allegedly targeting female only councillors like I am some sort of stalker or pervert.

“I of course set them straight that I had addressed my questions to all councillors irrespective of who they are and that I would continue to do so until I received adequate (or even any) answers to the points I had raised.

“Just shows what depths this administration will plumb to silence members of the public who are not prepared to be fobbed off, ignored and generally tramped asunder whilst the city that we live in is ‘driven’ into oblivion.”

The current schemes – lanes on the A259 and Old Shoreham Road and the continued closure of Madeira Drive – have proved controversial and a “no confidence in Brighton and Hove City Council” petition has been signed by more than 2,000 people.

The Greens, like the previous Labour administration, are working in tandem with the Conservative government to create space for cyclists and pedestrians.

The new measures have been popular with some people, however, and petitions to keep Madeira Drive closed and extend the Old Shoreham Road cycle lane have been signed by thousands.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “We received a complaint from a woman who reported receiving unwarranted messages from a man.

“He has been given words of advice about his method of contact.”

Brighton and Hove City Council was contacted for comment.