SIR - Your editorial (T&A, August 6) passes judgement on Keighley Town Councillors on the basis of incomplete evidence.
It has never been a question of “What have they got to hide?” It is a case of operating properly, fairly, legally and responsibly. Last year our critics incorrectly claimed that the Secretary of State had granted them the right to film in council meetings. Our standing orders would have permitted filming if the public had requested it, in writing in advance. They chose not to, claiming our protocols were “unworkable”.
The government now intends to ensure transparency and we have no problem with that. Many local councils are concerned at the potential for selective editing and tampering with recordings to misrepresent meetings which, in extreme cases, vilifies and personally attacks councillors and officers. This has happened here repeatedly and as recently as June. Many councillors find it deeply offensive, vindictive, actually quite cruel, a possible breach of human rights, and an unwarranted attack on ordinary human beings, with normal feelings and sensitivities, doing their best, without salaries, to serve the common good.
Some councillors will stand down if the new regulations are abused. Misrepresentation is not true “transparency” because it no longer represents the actuality of the meeting.
Cllr Graham Mitchell, Keighley Town Mayor
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