Residents who want more freedom to film Keighley Town Council meetings have applauded Govern-ment plans to enshrine this in law.

The Government intends to give the press and public new rights to film and record council meetings in England. The changes will be incorporated into the Local Audit and Accountability Bill, which began its passage through the House of Commons on Monday.

Ingrow resident Elizabeth Mitchell, of parishioners’ group Cavetown Council, said: “Any Keighley town councillor declining to be filmed could prohibit filming taking place.

“The new legislation would ensure this could not happen and is something Cavetown Council welcomes.

“We believe only the public, vulnerable adults or children attending the meeting, should be protected from filming.”

Last year, the Government changed secondary legislation to open up council executive meetings to the press and public. But this did not apply to councils’ committee meetings or full council, nor to parish and town councils such as Keighley.

Keighley Town Council is embroiled in a dispute with a group of local people, including Mrs Mitchell, who argue that they should be allowed to film.