PROMPT action by Bere Ferrers Parish Council has led to the removal of obscene defamation about residents and the village of Bere Alston.

Bere Alston villagers were horrified and disgusted this week to read false statements on the Wikipedia website about Bere Alston where the village was vilified with obscene statements. Visitors were advised to avoid the area.

An emergency debate by the Bere Ferrers Parish Council resulted in the council authorising immediate action and as a consequence the offending matter was removed from the Wikipedia site within 24 hours.

Formal complaints have been submitted and the police have been informed in an attempt to trace the people responsible.

The chairman of the parish council Hilary Boot-Handford said: 'This is another example of how the parish council works on behalf of its parishioners to maintain the good name of the parish and its people.'