IT'S unlikely to prove much of a ratings winner - but cameras will be made welcome at meetings of a rural town council.

Despite fears of “inappropriate editing,” members of Barnard Castle Town Council decided they have nothing to fear by inviting video cameras and other recording equipment into their meetings.

Previous hot topics of discussion have included a relief road for the town, the construction of a Tees rope bridge and parking.

The move - one of the first of its kind in the region - was agreed during a discussion on the council's standing orders governing its operation.

Town clerk Michael King said that currently anyone wanting to film council debates was required to seek its consent.

“It is suggested the council should adopt a more liberal policy that presumes meetings may be filmed unless at the specific request of the council not to, rather than the other way round.”

This follows Government guidance encouraging more openness among local councils.

Mr King said a presumption in favour of filming would be a “significant shift” and throw up a number of issues, such as consent from those present to being recorded.

Coun Thom Robinson said: “This council should be open and transparent and if you don't want to do it – stand down.”

However, a cautious Coun John Watson said: “It is essential that if the council is minded to accept filming or recording that very strict rules apply so arrangements can be put in place to stop inappropriate editing."

Coun Tony Cooke was also unconvinced.

“I would be against it, but if it was to happen, the council would have to take minutes verbatim to prevent distortion.”

Another suggestion was to ensure an unedited copy  was given to the council as a safeguard.

But Coun Newton Wood countered: “What if ITV wanted to come and film for a news item – could we refuse?" 

Proposing that the council embrace a more liberal policy towards filming meetings, Coun John Blissett said: “It makes no sense in hiding, we are here for the public."

Councillors agreed an accepted the change to standing orders.