Misinformed internet comments about a newspaper's online story have been setting the news agenda.

The Daily Echo, in Bournemouth, carried a story about seven local councillors who were in Israel on a twin-town visit when eight students were killed at a Jerusalem college.

Enraged Echo readers started posting angry comments underneath the story, accusing the councillors of wasting tax payers' money on what they saw as a junket.

Thirty-seven reader comments and several interviews with "angry councillors" later, the Echo published a follow-up explaining that the trip was not paid out of the public purse.

Web editor Nick Rowe said: "It's interesting in a way although the comments were largely misinformed.

"It means councillors are actually accountable and also shows that they feel the need to respond to unsubstantiated comments on the website.

"It was an interesting reaction from the public. Sometimes they go down blind alleys (with comments) while at other times they are quite sharp.

"It's a good opportunity for people to have their say and it does generate stories.

"Whereas previously they might not have been motivated to put pen to paper, it's so much easier to hit button on a computer.

"It's the evolution of the way we communicate."

Nick said one possible explanation for the outpouring of anger was the recent expenses increase members of Bournemouth Borough Council awarded themselves.

"The allowance issue was such a big issue locally," he added.

"People often are not that motivated by some stories unless it's taking money out of their pockets."

Editor Neal Butterworth said: "Some readers jumped to the conclusion that because the councillors were somewhere else apart from in the council chamber they were on a freebie.

"But it was not that at all so we responded to the comments made by the public to set the record straight."

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