Rutland County Museum in Oakham is to start hosting council meetings.

The move follows government legislation forcing councils to start hosting meetings in person from this week.

Last April, local authorities in England were handed powers to hold public meetings virtually due to the public health threat posed by COVID-19.

In line with the gradual easing of national lockdown restrictions and the growing number of people being vaccinated against the virus, these powers are being revoked from 7 May 2021 onwards.

As a result of this change, County, Town and Parish Councils will not be able to continue to meet virtually after 6 May.

As a consequence, Rutland County Councillors will return to in-person meetings, which will be held at Rutland County Museum while the Council Chamber continues to be used as a COVID vaccination centre.

Public access to meetings will continue to be limited, with a small number of spaces available on a first come, first served basis, while COVID remains a threat.

However, members of the public can continue to watch meetings live online or listen in by phone.

Full details of how to do this can be found online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/meetings. Anyone without access to the internet can find out more by calling Rutland County Council on: 01572 722 577.