THERE is a need to stop the bad choices that regularly occur with both Oxford city councillors and Oxford county councillors’ decision making.

This can be rectified by filming and broadcasting the process, allowing easy, open access to the public. What is there to hide?

It would reveal the ongoing farce – the actions of a few who currently wield the power which affects our lives. The current derisory provision is minimal and unable to show the whole room and follow the flow of interaction accurately. The sound quality in the public viewing gallery in the town hall during meetings is poor, rather muffled and often interrupted by mobile phone interference with the sound system.

People working in the public domain serving their electorate should be eager to embrace the advances in recording technology. The costs could be minimal. The benefits outweigh the expenditure.

It will reinforce support for those councillors who genuinely care, are able to listen to reason and stand up for communities’ concerns. It will flag up councillors who understand issues and are seen and heard working in the best interests of their ward and Oxford as a whole.

It will also reveal those who, however absurd the proposition, submissively follow the direction of those further up the ladder in party positions.

The cost of filming should not be a decider in councillors refusing this provision. The public should be able to decide on the issue, not politicians. We should cherish the fact we live in a free and therefore open society.

ELAINE BENNETT

Marston Road

Oxford