Changes to the seating arrangements during Helston Town Council's monthly meetings will be trialled after hearing the public felt it was very much ‘us and them’.

During the council's latest meeting, members of the public and councillors shared their thoughts and suggestions on the current layout of full council meetings which take place every third Thursday of the month in the Guildhall's council chamber. 

For a number of years, council members have sat in the pews which are at a slightly higher level than members of the press and public.

Councillor Beynon, who first brought this to attention in 2023 said that the current seating arrangements prevented the public from being close, which meant it was difficult for them to hear what was being said.

Falmouth Packet: Members of the council sit at the pews in the chamber which is slightly higher than where members of the public sit Members of the council sit at the pews in the chamber which is slightly higher than where members of the public sit (Image: Helston Town Council)

She also mentioned at the time that the current seating was ‘uncomfortable’ and could cause problems with access.

However, at the meeting held on Thursday (March 21) members of the public shared their opinions on the seating arrangements.

One person mentioned that it seemed the council had ‘no desire’ to hear what the public has to say due to councillors sitting with their backs facing the public.

Another person said he felt that the current arrangement was very much ‘us and them’ and said he was in full support of Cllr Beynon’s motion.

To allow people to hear them more clearly, members of the council have been using microphones when they are speaking during the meetings. 

Falmouth Packet: The council will trial a new seating arrangement at its next full meeting on April 18 The council will trial a new seating arrangement at its next full meeting on April 18 (Image: Helston Town Council)

Fellow Helston councillors also had their input in the debate, with Cllr Samuel Ramsden, Cllr Damien Willey and Cllr Mike Thomas sharing their thoughts.

Cllr Willey was in full support of the motion. He said: “It’s very important to have an equal playing field.

“We want more people to engage with us and come to these meetings, and we can do better than this layout."

Cllr Ramsden, who has a physical disability, explained that getting in and out of the pews was quite difficult for those who are disabled and said the current arrangement ‘doesn’t work’. 

However, Cllr Thomas suggested the council consider a new arrangement for seating, similar to County Hall in Truro where they all sit around tables with a microphone. 

Following the discussion, it was agreed upon that the council would trial a new arrangement of sitting at tables on the lower part of the chamber at its next full meeting on April 18, 2024.