£750 bill as council beefs up security for meeting

Guards posted on entrances to building and public gallery after previous session was halted during anti-racism protest

- By Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

STAFFORDSHIRE County Council beefed up security for a cabinet meeting days after anti-racism protesters halted a previous session.

A recent full council meeting was suspended after members of the Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (SCARF) started a chant calling for the resignation of cabinet members accused of making racist social media posts.

There were also reports of items being thrown from the public gallery.

Following the incident, which saw police escort protesters out of the chamber, the council ramped up security arrangements at County Buildings. Ahead of Wednesday's cabinet meeting, four security guards were posted outside the building's entrances, checking visitors' ID.

Four guards were also stationed around the public gallery of the council chamber during the meeting.