A UNION has praised the decision to suspend a local authority meeting after the health and safety of councillors and council staff was understood to have been "placed at risk".

BCP Council's meeting on Tuesday, April 26, was adjourned for a fortnight due to the need for a "health and safety risk assessment".

The council's chief executive has refused to provide any details behind the decision, which was made in the Bournemouth Town Hall chamber.

During the meeting opposition councillors claimed two members of the Conservative group had arrived at the session midway through proceedings despite allegedly having tested positive for Covid.

Labour councillor George Farquar asked for unions representing council staff to be informed about the incident at the meeting.

Janine Miller, UNISON regional organiser, told the Daily Echo: “Unfortunately, the government's policies on council meetings mean that councillors cannot vote unless they attend in person. 

“It is UNISON's understanding that this led to councillors and local government workers health and safety being placed at risk during Tuesday’s council meeting.

"We applaud the quick thinking of those present to suspend the meeting on health and safety grounds."