MEMBERS of the Cheshire Fire Authority are being given guidance on how to behave themselves on social media.

A one-page advice sheet is to be sent out to members from across the county, based on ‘common sense’ issues that have been highlighted in social media policies from other public sector bodies.

In the guidance, members are advised to communicate clearly, informally and respectfully – avoiding any ‘unhelpful online arguments’.

Advice to ‘pause before posting’ and recognise that irony and sarcasm ‘may be misinterpreted’ is given, as well as a warning to be ‘particularly careful if considering posting when tired or emotional’.

The guidance also reminds members not to breach copyright, disclose confidential information of publish defamatory statements.

Cllr Steve Wright, Labour from Warrington, is chairman of the authority’s governance and constitution committee.

At a meeting on Wednesday he said: “A bit of common sense applies when you are using social media, making sure that you don’t do anything that is damaging to the authority.”