RESIDENTS throughout North Somerset could enjoy their last opportunity to speak freely at a council meeting on Tuesday without it being scrutinised by officials. Elected members will vote on a proposed change to the council's constitution which will mean
RESIDENTS throughout North Somerset could enjoy their last opportunity to speak freely at a council meeting on Tuesday without it being scrutinised by officials.Elected members will vote on a proposed change to the council's constitution which will mean speeches by members of the public at the beginning of council meetings will be seen by the chairman, Cllr David Shopland, beforehand.A council spokesman has said the step is being taken to stop bad things being said about members or officers which could be untrue. A transcript of the speech will also be seen by the committee clerk who will then decide whether it should be seen by the council's solicitor if appropriate.* Do you think the council is trying to erode free speech or is it justifiable to ask to see a transcript of a speech which might be rude or libellous about an individual? Write to us at the North Somerset Times, 32 Waterloo Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1LW or email us at nstimes@archant.co.uk to let us know your views.
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