Weymouth Council exercise democracy, meet at the beach
Weymouth councillors say it's because of an attack on democracy by the government.
Last updated 24th Jun 2021
Councillors say an 'attack on democracy' by the government has forced them to meet on Weymouth beach today.
A selection of councillors gathered by the beach offices for today's full council meeting.
The government refused to extend legislation that allowed decisions to be made online earlier this year, effectively putting a stop to the virtual-only meetings that had been taking place.
But, councillors say there's no safe way to hold meetings in person at the council chambers, while keeping up with social distancing and allowing the public to view.
Town Mayor Colin Huckle said:
"We've got 29 of us, plus four or so officers, plus unknown numbers of the public. We would also have to arrange an in and out one way system, requiring two security people rather than one.
"If we got too many public turn up, we wouldn't have a secure COVID meeting and would have to abandon it."
Today's stunt won't be repeated but they say it serves to make a point. They want the government to review it's decision on banning online decision making.
But a high court decision in April dismissed a challenge launched to extend the legislation.
Colin added:
"They managed to get Brexit through in half a day, they only needed a short one liner to extend the legislation by six months, a year, whatever, and to review it."
"We want the government to extend the legislation until such time as it's safe to meet COVID-secure indoors. Obviously the beach is ours, the deck chairs are ours and we've got a nice sunny morning."