Chaos as residents try to film Essington Parish Council meeting
A council meeting descended into chaos when members of the public were denied the right to film proceedings, despite official guidance encouraging them to do so.
Councillors dissolved the meeting of Essington Parish Council last night shortly after it began, claiming the residents were not legally permitted to record it.
But before the crowd of about 20 people could be dismissed, one resident began reading out new the policy guidelines, published last month by local government secretary Eric Pickles, which he said 'explicitly state that councils should allow the public to film council meetings'.
As people were herded outside the chamber on Hobnock Road, many booed the councillors.
The residents had turned out object to a major development at Westcroft Special School, which they say South Staffordshire Council failed to consult them on. Carillion plc was granted permission in June 2012 to build a 26ft high sports hall on the former school playing field, which is now nearing completion.
The residents say they did not know about the plans until diggers turned up at the site, as only two neighbouring properties were consulted.
Furthermore, they claim the parish council did nothing to help them voice their concerns.
Graham Hughes, 51, of Berry Brooke House, Westcroft Farm, who had been operating the camera, was 'bitterly disappointed' he could not film events and that the meeting was stopped.
But parish council chairman Councillor David Clifft, said: "The guidance says that if people are filming, they should make it known to everyone that they are filming, as some people may object.
"There were children in that room and I have to safeguard in that instance. I think some people there were there to disrupt the meeting, which saddens me."
