In May, I was not alone in castigating Shropshire Council for actions “worthy of a totalitarian state” when it confiscated cameras from members of the public at the beginning of a council meeting. Three days after Viv Parry gave notice of a question at last Thursday’s council meeting, the rules were changed. Now Keith Barrow has said he wants council meetings to be broadcast.
He told last Thursday’s council meeting:
I think this council meeting should be videoed. I have asked officers to look at the feasibility of video – not just the council meeting but I think planning meetings as well. I think it would be good for the council and good for people as well.
I wholeheartedly agree with this. Recording and broadcasting of council and planning meetings should be instigated as soon as possible – even if it is initially just audio recordings. (Must as the House of Commons was first broadcast on audio before cameras were allowed into the chamber.)
When Shropshire Council eventually moves out of Shirehall, the new building should be equipped to broadcast all meetings held in public.