SWINDON is to have its own anti-bullying website even though the idea was rejected by councillors two weeks ago.

The project, called Swindon Safety Net, was originally ditched at a cabinet meeting, against officers' recommendations. But the plans were resurrected at a ratification meeting yesterday.

Liberal Democrat leader Coun Mike Evemy (Eastcott) and Labour group leader Coun Sue Bates (Gorse Hill and Pinehurst) criticised the original decision and pushed for the project to move forward.

Two members of the Conservative Party, including deputy council leader Coun Brian Ford (Wroughton and Chiseldon), and Coun Andy Albinson (St Margaret), also voted in favour of the website, going against the views of their cabinet colleagues.

The website will enable youngsters and parents to 'shop' a bully anonymously and seek advice online. It will also facilitate a more uniform policy across all Swindon schools by collecting information on a database.

When it was rejected, the scheme was in the final stages of approval and had reached the shortlist for obtaining £55,000 of funding from the Government.

The council only has to meet a quarter of the costs, totalling around £8,000 a year.

The ratification committee is made up of two Conservatives, two Labour representatives and one Liberal Democrat. It scrutinises the decisions of the Conservative-led cabinet and can overturn their resolutions.

Coun Ford, who chaired the meeting in the absence of council leader Mike Bawden, said: "I wasn't present at cabinet when this happened and I don't know what was discussed but I think my views may have been slightly different than what's on this paper."

Coun Evemy said: "I think the cabinet made a mistake on this decision. For a small amount of money, we would get substantial benefits from that investment.

"I understand why the cabinet is being overcautious about bids and spending more money, but if you look at what you're going to get for this money, then it looks like a very good return."

Coun Bates said: "I think the cabinet was very short-sighted not to support this. We know that bullying is a major influence in schools these days."

Deputy Labour leader, Coun Derek Benfield (Covingham and Nythe), said: "The magic words here are 'invest to save' and I have to wonder about the business acumen of the lead member for education based on this decision.

"I think he was playing to the gallery that particular night it wasn't based on logic or business at all."

Director of education, Dr Mike Lusty, said: "The prime objective of the bid is to reduce the level of bullying by increasing the reporting of incidents. This scheme would also introduce a whole new dimension to understanding the level of bullying across Swindon's schools and the level of response needed."