ANDOVER town council has decided to continue hybrid meetings for full council only, following relaxation of restrictions on in-person events.

Members voted to keep the option of Zoom attendance at full council meetings open for the next six months, but to stop offering a virtual link for committee meetings.

Discussing the issue at a meeting on September 15, some members favoured a total return to in-person meetings, citing issues such as sound quality and staff resources, while others feared the loss of the virtual attendance option would reduce accessibility.

Cllr David Coole said: “We can’t afford the staff time, and Covid restrictions don’t really apply here. I want to propose that this council terminate hybrid meetings, effective from tonight.”

Cllr Joanne Coole added: “If you are able to hire this hall from TVBC for 60 people, it is clear that we would never have 60 people in here, so I don’t understand the problem.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Robin Hughes said that sound quality was another issue which suggested Zoom meetings may not work going forwards.

“One of the things that worries me about continuing it is that we don’t have the equipment to develop the audio quality,” he said.

“I am more than happy that we cease the Zoom meetings. If we were to carry it on then I think that we would need to purchase the appropriate audio equipment.

“If we are going to give the service, we should do it properly.”

However, not everyone agreed. Cllr Richard Rowles expressed concerns surrounding reduced transparency of the council should Zoom meetings be removed.

He said: “I am against ceasing it for the very good reason that it makes the town council much more accessible to the public.”

Cllr Barbara Long added: “I can’t support stopping hybrid meetings all together, especially in the event of another lockdown.”

The council officers informed members that no extra is spent on staff resources to run Zoom meetings at full council, but that at committee meetings removing the Zoom option would half the number of staff needed.

Cllr Stu Waue then suggested that the Zoom meetings remain for full council meetings, but not for committees, and the situation be reviewed in six months time.

This was agreed with seven votes in favour, three against and one abstention.