RESIDENTS can now watch council meetings from the comfort of their own home following the introduction of a new webcast service.

Back in July the Local Democracy Reporter Service revealed St Helens Council was assessing a new live streaming service.

The council holds numerous meetings every week, which are open to the public, including various panels that scrutinise the work of the authority.

Currently, only selective meetings in Room 10 will be available to stream.

A council spokesman said: “The option for members of the public to view a vast number of council meetings that take place in Room 10 in St Helens town hall through webcasting is now available.

“St Helens Council, like many other local authorities across the country, has introduced this system as it allows councils to be more open, transparent, accessible and accountable.”

Currently, meetings that take place in the council chamber, including full council, will not be available to watch live, although this could change in the future.

The spokesman said: “The council is currently in the process of looking at getting a webcasting facility installed in the council chamber so that even more public meetings, such as full council, can be covered.

“The only items of business members of the public will not be able to view are those restricted under the Local Government Act 1972 because they relate to commercial matters or personal information.

“We would encourage members of the public that are interested in council matters to engage in this exercise to experience the process of local democracy being carried out.”

For more information on the webcast service and the council’s meeting agenda visit moderngov.sthelens.gov.uk