RESIDENTS who want to hear what their councillors are saying can now tune in to the debates online.

Next Wednesday’s meeting of Bury Council, which starts at 7pm, will be the first to be streamed live on the internet.

The job will be done by local company Digital Tree, based in Ramsbottom, who were responsible for the live web streaming of Glaston-Bury and the Olympic torch relay earlier this year.

It allows people to tune in at any time during the meeting, or for days afterwards. Viewers who tune in live will also be able to go back and look at what was debated earlier in the night. The pilot project will be reviewed in the New Year to judge whether it should be continued or even extended to cover other committee meetings.

Cllr Mike Connolly, leader of the council, said: “We’re living in the digital age, and many people now expect to follow the workings of the council via their PC, smart phone or laptop rather than coming along to meetings in person. Councillors recently voted to allow Tweeting in meetings, and then we voted to try live video streaming, so we’re certainly moving with the times. I hope many people in Bury will tune in, either on the night or afterwards, and see local democracy in action.”

To follow the council meeting online: go to ]bury.gov.uk