CAMERA-shy councillors will have to get over their flashbulb fears after the right to film council meetings was enshrined in law.
The measures have received a warm welcome from representatives in Cheltenham, who believe the change could result in more people attending meetings and seeing democracy in action.
The new guidelines issued by Eric Pickles, the local government secretary, means people will no longer be ejected or banned from meetings for filming or tweeting. He has told councils to let people film.
Councillor Barbara Driver (C, Lansdown) said it could help boost numbers at meetings.
She added: "I would actually like the people in the gallery to ask questions too.
"The only worry I would have would be some of the councillors playing to the camera.
"As long as it is done discreetly, I wouldn't mind at all."
Many councils have thrown out members of the public from meetings for filming.
Most have relied on the misconception filming can be prohibited under the Data Protection Act or because of health and safety. The new guidance means this will no longer wash.
Councillor Ian Bickerton (LD, Leckhampton) believed there was no downside to the move.
He said: "Anything that allows people to see what we do has to be a good idea. It is all a part of being more open. I don't think it will cause a problem and I think it will be beneficial.
Cheltenham Borough Council welcomed the involvement of people in the democratic process.
The authority does, however, want to know in advance if people want to film a meeting so that "we can make members aware".
Councillor Roger Whyborn (LD, Up Hatherley), cabinet member for sustainability, supported the move but was sceptical anyone would take it up.
"I don't think anyone much is going to bother," he said. "I wouldn't get too excited about it.
"It is a public forum so, if people want to film, they should be allowed to."