Anti-privatisation protesters in Shirehall demo
More than 50 campaigners descended on Shirehall to protest against what they have branded "the privatisation of Shropshire Council services".
Representatives from Ludlow Campaign for Fairness attended Shropshire Council's annual meeting to raise vocal criticism of ip&e – a company set up by the council to sell services to other organisations.
Sandy Robertson, chairman of the campaign group, said he did not believe that ip&e's work is accountable to the public.
He said: "We are concerned about the erosion of democracy by the privatisation of council services, including the setting-up of a private company within the council itself, which reduces accountability and transparency as regards the delivery of local services.
"People, on the grounds of commercial confidentiality, can refuse access to press and public when discussing public matters and delivery of services. The public and press must have access."
The campaigners arrived bearing placards with slogans saying "democracy for sale" and "beware the Barrow Boys" – a reference to council leader Keith Barrow.
After arriving in the council chamber ahead of the meeting there was a heated exchange between campaigners and council chief executive Clive Wright, who told them they would not be able to film proceedings as they had not obtained prior consent.
Two protesters then had cameras removed as they ignored the warnings.
Council leader Mr Barrow said the creation of ip&e had been a Conservative manifesto pledge at the last Shropshire Council elections, and had been backed by the people of the county at the ballot box.
He added: "I genuinely do not know why you are so upset about it."
Shropshire Council later released astatement which read: "Members of the public are very welcome to attend Shropshire Council meetings, and we are happy for them to photograph and film at these meetings.
"However, we do ask that people attending Council meetings act in a calm and responsible manner. Unfortunately, due to disruptive behaviour by a small number of people at today's meeting it was necessary to confiscate their cameras for the duration of the meeting.
"Our current policy is that photographs and footage taken at Council meetings should be for personal use only. However, we are currently reviewing this policy to ensure that it is consistent with the national guidance, and will make any necessary changes."