WYRE Forest District Council meetings can now be watched by residents from the comfort of their own home.

Live and recorded meetings from the new council headquarters are available on the authority’s website - Wednesday's full council meeting is due to be the first live broadcast.

The new building features cameras in the council chamber which will show cabinet, council, planning and licensing meetings.

By webcasting meetings, the council aims to provide residents who cannot attend meetings with an opportunity to play a part in the local democratic process and to get involved in the decisions affecting their lives.

Conservative councillor John Campion, council leader, said: “Webcasting is a fantastic way for the public to get an insight into how local decisions are made.

“The new headquarters not only save the local taxpayer £500,000 per year, it will also allow local people to watch democracy in action from the comfort of their living rooms.

“A lot of important decisions are made locally and this is another way in which local people can take part.”

To watch the council’s webcasts, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk where a meetings diary can also be found.

A licensing and environmental committee meeting will be held on Monday, December 10, followed by a planning meeting on Tuesday, December 11. The next cabinet meeting will be on Tuesday, December 18.