A CALL to continue broadcasting Pembrokeshire County Council meetings on the internet was supported at Monday’s meeting of the council’s Corporate Governance Committee.

The agreement provides for webcasting of up to 60 hours of council meetings per year.

To date, only major council meetings have been webcast.

Councillor David Howlett said: “I’d be very supportive of continuing, with probably the least cost per year. I think we need to keep going with this.”

Council leader Jamie Adams' suggestion of a two year extension was supported, taking the webcasting through to the next council.

Councillor Bob Kilmister said: “I think there’s a big argument for a lot of other meetings to be broadcast.”

Councillor Mike Williams seconded the proposal for two years, saying: “We must make it clear that we see this as a long-term investment, not something that’s going to go away or die a death.”

Councillor Jacob Williams suggested more use could be made of the facility, with more meetings held in the council chamber.

“I do support two years, I’m also pleased to see the leader is happy to commit to keeping the system. I think there’d be uproar if this webcasting was ended.”

Cllr Williams then compared webcasting of meetings with a recently reported drop in the number of false insurance claims made in connection with the council’s refuse vehicles, thanks to new CCTV equipment fitted to its fleet.

He described both systems as “reducing dishonesty”.

Members agreed for a further two years webcasting, at a cost of £19,456.