Two motions put forward against meeting changes.

A row is set to escalate at Newtown Town Council over arrangements to hold hybrid and physical meetings.

Last month the council highlighted how some councillors were struggling to gain access to the council chamber in Brisco House at The Cross in Newtown town centre.

The council voted against the Town Clerk's recommendation to allow officers to seek alternative premises that are accessible when @there is a "disadvantaged physical attendance by a registered disabled councillor at hybrid meetings."

Tonight, town councillors will hear two motions put to the council by the Mayor and another councillor seeking to reverse the decision.

Cllr Jack Lewis, who has put forward one motion which Cllr Val Howard seconded, stated that the council has broken the law and councillors who voted against the proposal have broken its Code of Conduct.

His motion states: "This Special Motion will address the reversal of the previous decision, instruct Full Council to make written apologies to the affected Councillors and Public, modify the Council’s Standing Orders and Statutory Training Plan to include Equality & Diversity Training and encourage councillors to undertake this training course and delegate the Authority for Decision of meeting arrangements to officers so unlawful discrimination doesn’t happen again."

Another motion has been put forward by the Mayor, Cllr Peter Lewington. His states: "This council reverses the decision it made previously and now authorises officers to seek alternative venues in situations where there is deemed to be a disadvantaged physical attendance by a registered disabled councillor at hybrid meetings or committee and subcommittee meetings where there is deemed to be some exceptional practical reason why the default of "remote only" could not be achieved."

It added: "2.This decision is made with the intention of returning to Sarah Brisco House council chamber at the earliest opportunity when circumstances permit subject to a vote being taken at full council or when the Sarah Brisco House transformation project has been completed, and access arrangements are deemed to be suitable. Providing the requirements of the council's standing orders are met any councillor can at any time request full council to reconsider its choice of meeting venues."

Councillor will discuss and vote on it at a full council meeting this evening.