How should councillors react to the events of recent days? They’ve got a tough job, but as the elected representatives of their communities, have more right to be heard than many of the self-proclaimed community leaders who are on the airwaves.

I know from my Twitter feed that my local Hackney councillors have been out and about today speaking to residents, trying to reassure people and supporting their council workforces cleaning up the mess. Last night they kept a running commentary on where trouble was and what people could and should do to stay safe. If the rioters had Blackberry Messenger, our elected members had Twitter.