THE councillor whose video footage prompted the storm swirling around Carmarthenshire's Council leader has said her remarks show the value of filming meetings.

Councillor Arthur Davies said the People First group, of which he is a member, would continue to press for council meetings to be recorded.

Mr Davies said he recorded all the speeches at the celebration and his group had been astounded at the leader's "disparaging" manner, particularly after some of the council's hard-working staff took salary cuts last year.

"In our opinion Mrs Gravell's scathing, unscripted, remarks about some of the protesters and about council staff were insensitive and unprofessional," he said. "Is this why the council is so reluctant to have their meetings filmed?

"The value of such recording is borne out by the YouTube clip showing the council leader's true character and true remarks."

Mr Davies suggested her speech, which he claims was made without a script or guidance from officers, had alienated and enraged the public and council workers.

Mrs Gravell said the issue of recording meetings was being considered by a group of councillors and people could give their views in an online poll.

She said: "What this matter has proven is the danger of allowing individuals to film meetings or speeches and then having the opportunity to edit them to suit their own agenda, which has clearly been the case here.

"I understand a full-length video of my speech is now also available on YouTube, which has not been cut and edited, and clearly shows the context in which my remarks were made.

"I regret not choosing my words more carefully, and have apologised for any offence I have inadvertently caused."

To see the full length video, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ GPg_6iHeiI