- Change theme
Norfolk Town Council Criticised for Stopping Live Streamed Meetings
Downham Market Town Council (DMTC) to stop live streaming meetings.
06:39 07 March 2022
Downham Market Town Council (DMTC) has announced its decision to stop live streaming meetings. The council started broadcasting its full meetings via YouTube as a precautionary measure after Covid-19 pandemic started.
Prior to the decision being made, the local council has been embroiled in a series of high-profile rows, which led to several dramatic council meetings, including one where police were asked to attend. Mayor Jenny Groom and her deputy Jackie Westrop have since quit following allegations of bullying.
Meanwhile, councillors voted to stop live streaming starting on March 15.
One menber, Charlie Pyatt, said: "I personally don't think we need to stream anymore, I think if the public want to know about it, they should turn up."
Another councillor, David Sharman, said: "We need to make it clear to the public, they are invited and are welcome. They'll think we're trying to hide something."
In a statement, DMTC said: "The current cost for live streaming a full council meeting is £200 which is not an insignificant cost.
"The meetings were initially live streamed as residents were unable to attend physical meeting and as all restrictions ended last week there was no formal need to continue live streaming the meetings.
"Please bear with us whilst we research this matter further."