ad

Twitter row at Wrexham Council meeting

Published date: 12 December 2012 |
Published by: Liam Randall
Read more articles by Liam Randall

Cllr Arfon Jones was taken to one side and told he could not use Twitter 

A ROW has broken out after a councillor was rebuked for tweeting.

Cllr Arfon Jones – the only Plaid Cymru councillor left on Wrexham Council after May’s elections – was taken to one side and told he could not use Twitter.

Wrexham Council chief executive Dr Helen Paterson had to remind the councillor use of social media during meetings was against Standing Orders.

Cllr Jones said nothing about the issue during yesterday’s executive board meeting at the Guildhall but later on Twitter he wrote: “Imagine you are an elected member in a public meeting and you want to tell people quite legitimately what is going on... but you are banned from doing so and if you do you breach the Code of Conduct for using electronic means (Twitter). Absurd.”

At the meeting the Wrexham Council Press and public relations team were monitoring the Wrexham Council Twitter account. Press officer Gill Stevens noticed Cllr Jones had been tweeting updates on proceedings from his phone and reported the matter to Dr Paterson.

Outside the room Dr Paterson advised Cllr Jones that under the council’s constitution live transmission from meetings was not permitted without prior consent from the chairman.

Labour council leader Neil Rogers later told colleagues: “I’m concerned some members have been tweeting during the meeting this afternoon.

“Standing Order 45 of the council constitution prohibits transmission from meetings without prior permission from the chair.

“Cllr Arfon Jones has been ejected from the meeting after he was found tweeting.
“I am annoyed I wasn’t asked as chair and I would please plead that it doesn’t happen again.”

However, Cllr Jones has disputed Cllr Rogers’ version of events and said he was not ejected from the meeting.

He said: “I was invited outside by the chief executive who advised me that I shouldn’t tweet as it as it was against the constitution. I then went back in and later left of my own accord after the item on subsidised transport, which I always had every intention of leaving after.”

He added: “It’s about time we revised the consitution to allow members and visitors to use social media during meetings to aid openness and transparency.”

It later emerged that talks aimed at altering the constitution have been taking place between the council’s officers.

Standing order 45 of Wrexham Council’s constitution entitled ‘Photograph and Recording at Meetings’ states: “Proceedings at meetings may not be photographed, videoed, sound recorded or transmitted in any way outside the meeting without prior permission of the chair.

Tweeting is now allowed in Parliament, in the Senedd in Cardiff and in courts.

You must be a registered user to leave a comment. Register or login here.

  1. Posted by: baldybouncer at 14:42 on 12 December 2012 Report

    Good on the Cllr Jones for passing information to the people who voted for him! A council works for the people who live in the town and pay council tax - it should be transparrent. Well Done!

  2. Posted by: worldsgonemad at 19:07 on 12 December 2012 Report

    Obviously a flagrant abuse of the rules. Cllr Arfon Jones should concentrate on the meeting & switch off any toys he has in his possession.

  3. Posted by: liberty1 at 19:44 on 12 December 2012 Report

    Rules are rules, if Mr Jones is not aware of the rules then that is down to incompetence on his part or stupidity if he was aware. He could campaign for a change in the rules or resign and give up his allowance/expences.

  4. Posted by: philgwersyllt at 21:57 on 12 December 2012 Report

    The rules were designed to deal with photography and video, or the actual recording of the proceedings, but have been extended (incorrectly it seems) to include tweeting. Tweeting isn't transmitting the proceedings, it's merely one person commenting on them, and could be done as soon as the meeting ended anyway. One wonders what some council members have to hide.

  5. Posted by: Y Ffin at 00:22 on 13 December 2012 Report

    The problem with people tweeting in council meetings is that they will inevitably be 'grinding their own axes' rather than being transparent. the inevitable petty point scoring won't do much to enhance local democracy and will be a distraction from proper debate and thoughtful decision making. There are better ways to ensure accountability and transparency.

  6. Posted by: alidyl73 at 08:57 on 13 December 2012 Report

    Rules are rules, they are in place for a reason. I'm just surprised that this Cllr. can muli task, paying attention to what was going on in the meeting and tweeting at the same time. His brain must have hurt.

  7. Posted by: truth hurts at 16:31 on 13 December 2012 Report

    Jones flip-flops to suit himself. A PC councillor in the 'independent' group so he could salvage his little perks when his group got shattered at the elections. His inflated self opinion borders on narcissism, he needs to get a grip on the fact that he's simply one of the councillors for Gwersyllt, he is not the UK ambassador to the UN

  8. Posted by: sandrobe2001 at 10:13 on 14 December 2012 Report

    If Tweeting IS allowed in Westminster, Cardiff and the Courts, WHAT HAS WREXHAM CBC got to HIDE?

  9. Posted by: jbsandown at 17:37 on 14 December 2012 Report

    Cllr Jones does a great service to the cause of fair-play in our town halls. Its time Wrexham faced up to its responsibility to open up their meetings to full reporting and accountability. If our National Assembly can allow the public freedom to observe, comment and unobtrusively record anything that is open to public attendance -why should councils in Wales treat stakeholder representatives with disdain! Wrexham council's "standing-orders" should be dragged into the 21st century immediately!

Past pictures from Bodhyfryd

  • l108dc6e
  • l10ac7f7
  • l108dc6b
Local Bygones

View thousands more photos like this on www.localbygones.co.uk

Browse our archive
 

Local Business Offers & Promotions

  • Don't get caught out this winter!

    Swansway Accident Repair Centre, Wrexham will honour a minimum £50 insurance excess contribution for any vehicle repaire required by Swansway, Wrexham from no until the 31st December 2013.

    Valid Until: Tuesday, 31 Dec 2013

    Print

  • NEW PIRELLI P7 205 55 R16 TYRES 91V

    £64.99

    Valid Until: Sunday, 30 Jun 2013

    Voucher Code: pir1

    Terms: FREE fitting FREE digital balance FREE eco disposal of old tyres and VAT

  • Wheatsheaf Workshops

    Wheatsheaf Workshops comprise of a variety of accommodation in a well established two storey complex, ideal for small business use. They are located in a quiet area on the outskirts of Wrexham within close proximity of the Aqueduct World Heritage site at Froncysyllte. The Workshops are approximately 8 miles south west of Wrexham Town Centre, with good communications via the A483 providing excellent access to the national motorway network. Key Features of the Property • On-site parking • Fire & security alarm • Mobile patrolled security • ICT and Telephone links

    Valid Until: Friday, 07 Mar 2014

    Terms: Terms & Conditions Tenure Occupation of the property will be by way of the Council’s standard Periodic Business Tenancy. Rent Ranging from £420.00 to £2,600.00 per annum exclusive + VAT payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service Charge Ranging from £198.61 to £882.69 per annum exclusive + VAT payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service charge is in respect of charges incurred by the Landlord in providing various services at the estate. In this instance; exterior and communal area repair & maintenance, water, cleaning of communal areas, security charges & waste removal. Business Rates The tenant will be responsible for the payment of business rates. Details are available directly from the Business Rates department on 01978 292030. Insurance The Council will insure the building for its full reinstatement cost against damage by fire and/or specified perils and the tenant will be re-charged directly on an annual basis. The tenant will be responsible for in

  • People’s Market

    Wrexham Town Centre Stalls ranging from 21 sq.m / 230 sq.ft to 53 sq.m / 571 sq.ft The ground floor of the People’s Market comprises two glazed atrium entrances off Chester Street housing a number of shops and leading into the main market hall. This houses 55 individual market stalls, 29 of which line the perimeter and 26 of which comprise island stalls. Businesses within the market complex include confectioners, clothing retailers; perfumes and cosmetics; Welsh shop; second hand furniture retailer; optician and music and nostalgia retailer. A car park is situated above the ground floor market area, which provides 450 car parking spaces. Attractive incentives and concessionary rents are currently being offered to new traders, whether a new business start-up or an established market trader new to the area. Concessionary rents are made available during the initial twelve months of occupation.

    Valid Until: Friday, 07 Mar 2014

    Terms: Terms & Conditions Tenure Occupation of the property will be by way of the Council’s standard Periodic Business Tenancy Agreement. Alternatives to the Standard Periodic Business Tenancy Agreement are also available to allow prospective tenants flexibility when looking to occupy the market when either relocating or starting a new business. Rent Ranging from £284.93 to £575.58 per calendar month exclusive payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service Charge Ranging from £117.93 to £293.19 per month exclusive payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service charge is in respect of charges incurred by the Landlord in providing services to the common parts of the market. This is subject to a review on the 1 April of each year. Business Rates The tenant will be responsible for the payment of business rates. Details are available directly from the Business Rates department on 01978 292030. Advice on the availability of Small Business Rates Relief will also be availabl

  • Free Family Law Drop In

    Free Family Law drop in service every Thursday between 9am-12pm, providing a no strings attached 15 minute consultation with a Family Law Specialist.

    Valid Until: Friday, 11 Apr 2014

    Voucher Code: Every Thursday 9-12

    Terms: Please call 01244 312166 to book an appointment with Family Law secretary Lesley Jones.

  • £10 SPA VOUCHER

    £10 voucher towards use of our exclusive new luxury spa facilities.

    Valid Until: Sunday, 30 Jun 2013

    Terms: Can not be redeemed for cash. Expires 30th June, 2013. One voucher per person. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

    Print

  • ONE DAY FOOTBALL SESSION FREE

    One day free football coaching session when you intruduce a friend.

    Valid Until: Friday, 30 Aug 2013

    Terms: All sessions held at Monkmoor Recreation Ground, Shrewsbury.

    Print

  • Broneirion Charity Antique, Vintage & Country Craft Fair

    Bring your "treasure" to Broneirion for an expert valuation. Browse the stalls for a bargain or buy something beautiful to take home. Entry £3.50 per adult. Children £1.00. 10.30am - 4.00pm

    Valid Until: Sunday, 28 Jul 2013

  • Broneirion Summer Charity Concert

    Spend an evening at Broneirion being entertained by a variety of talented performers including Newtown Musical Theatre Company and Mid Wales' newest choir "New Dynamic", plus special guests. Licensed bar and refreshments available. Arrive at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. £10.00 in advance from Broneirion.

    Valid Until: Saturday, 13 Jul 2013

  • 60's, 70's & 80's disco

    Dance the night away at our disco in a marquee. Music and audio visual effects are provided by Carlsboro Sound. Beach Party themed dress is optional. Fully licensed bar. 7.30pm - midnight. Tickets £5.00

    Valid Until: Saturday, 27 Jul 2013

  • House Tour & Afternoon Tea at Broneirion

    Enjoy a guided tour of our beautiful Grade II listed House, the former home of David Davies of Llandinam, stroll around attractive landscaped grounds, followed by a delicious homemade afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes and fresh cream & strawberry scones. 2.00pm - 5.00pm - £10.50per person. Booking essential.

    Valid Until: Tuesday, 13 Aug 2013

  • Car Of The Week

    03 03 LAND ROVER FREELANDER TD4 SERENGETI 5 door in maroon metallic with only 28,444 miles, full service history, one local owner, in fantastic condition, new tyres, CD plater, air con £4995

    Valid Until: Wednesday, 04 Sep 2013

  • Long Established Company

    We are a professional company who won't let you down. Call us for more details

    Valid Until: Wednesday, 04 Sep 2013

    Print

  • 25% Off Ink Cartirdges

    25% off Ink Cartidges on production of advert only.

    Valid Until: Wednesday, 31 Jul 2013

    Terms: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 31st July, 2013

    Print

  • £50 off completion of first job

    £50 off completion of first job plus £30 Voucher of customer's choice on completion of recommendation work

    Valid Until: Sunday, 30 Jun 2013

    Terms: Tems and Conditions Apply

    Print

View all offers & promotions

Featured Businesses

View all adverts