A DISTRICT council has been asked to consider allowing a voluntary group which runs a local blog to film council meetings to promote transparency.

Richmondshire District Council will hear a presentation from Richmond resident and founder of Richmond Noticeboard Sarah Hartley on why they should allow council meetings to be filmed, and how they can benefit from it.

Ms Hartley, a former journalist who now advises businesses on their online presence, said: “Although all council meetings are public, Richmondshire District Council is not unusual in having few members of the public to attend meetings.

“There can be many reasons for this – people unaware of when meetings are held, reluctance to set out on dark nights, child care issues and shift work.

“Using technology to provide what is effectively an ‘on demand’ service people can choose when and where they want to view – and will effectively increase the number of people ‘attending’ the meeting.”

She added: “The idea is that the footage will be streamed live on our blog, and the council website too if they wanted.

“It would not be edited – we don’t have a political agenda.”

Ms Hartley has used Telford and Wrekin Council as an example of a success story - it allowed a local blogger to film its meetings and had around 200 people watch live and 90 more views in following days.

Deputy leader of RDC Mick Griffiths said: “Personally I think this can only be a good thing – anything that makes public business in the council chamber more accessible can only be a good thing.

“There have been some genuine concerns from other members though, for instance, some members may be reluctant to speak out when they would normally feel comfortable; some may use it as an opportunity to play up to the camera; and there are some concerns about ownership of the coverage.

“It’s only right that members express their views, and Sarah has been made aware of these concerns so it will be for her to convince members in her presentation.”

After Ms Hartley makes a presentation to the council it will go to a vote at full council, but she has been told it will not be introduced until the council has moved into the new premises, Mercury House.

For more information visit Richmond.n0tice.com or email sarah@n0tice.com.