RESIDENTS could be able to watch debates on Youtube as part of plans to get council meetings up and running again.

Colchester Council is finalising its plans to restart meetings at the start of next month, with all committees meeting virtually for the foreseeable future.

Rather than visiting Colchester Town Hall, councillors will use video conferencing app Zoom to take part in debates and make decisions on issues such as planning applications.

Residents will be able to listen in using the council’s website and the authority is looking to get streams up and running on its Youtube channel.

New arrangements for Have Your Say speakers have been finalised.

Members of the public wishing to raise a specific issue must submit a statement, of no more than 500 words, in the week before the meeting. You must registered no later than 12 noon on the day before the meeting with your name, email address, whether your representation is a general matter or related to an item of business and a copy of the representations you wish to make.

Provision to enable members of the public to use an audio or video link will be made in certain circumstances.

For more information, visit colchester.cmis.uk.com/colchester/HaveYourSay.