Maldon town councillors are looking into the possibility of recording and streaming future meetings, it has emerged.

During a full town council meeting on Monday evening (25 October), members debated the request from Councillor Kevin Lagan that consideration be given to recording future meetings.

Councillors spoke favourably of the idea, focussing on how it would enable public participation in meetings.

Councillor Stephen Nunn said: "This is in the spirit of transparency - why on earth wouldn't we agree?"

Councillor Tony Shrimpton added: "I'm in favour of this idea and I don't think it infringes on liberty at all because this is a public meeting."

Local authorities across the country began livestreaming their meetings when lockdown restrictions prevented them from meeting in person.

Many have continued since lockdown was lifted - including Maldon District Council.

Councillor Carlie Mayes, who also sits on the district council, said: "We saw an increase in the number of people engaging with the council and we need people to do that.

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"I think this is something we should embrace going forward."

The debate also looked at equality issues for those who cannot access in-person meetings easily.

Councillor Peter Stilts said: "If you have problems getting here, you're denying people knowing what's going on."

Members resolved to take the idea forward and investigate it further.

If successful, the recommended technology needed to record and stream future meetings would cost the town council a one-off payment of £995 and VAT.