A CONSERVATIVE councillor caused controversy when he filmed a Cumbria County Council meeting despite being asked to stop by his peers.

Opposition councillors at the full meeting in Kendal took offence to Cllr Sol Wielkopolski, who represents Newbarns and Parkside, recording what they were saying.

Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors objected to being filmed without consent and the meeting had to be adjourned with Cllr Wielkopolski being threatened with being kicked out.

Cllr Wielkopolski said that he was filming because the public had a right to hear what was being discussed at the meeting, especially plans for the budget.

He said that he had a right to film the meeting and has since called upon Cllr Ian Stewart, leader of the Liberal Democrats, to issue an apology on behalf of the members of his party who complained.

During the adjournment, members discussed the rules regarding filming of meetings and the chairman accepted the officers' advice that Cllr Wielkopolski should be allowed to film from the public gallery, which he did.

He also called for all councillors to receive training on the matter.