Mobile phones have been banned from Chorley’s council chamber amid concerns that members were posting Twitter updates during meetings.

The Mayor of Chorley, councillor Ken Ball, has announced to all members that they would be required “to switch off all their mobile devices” during meetings after complaints were made that some were “tweeting”.

Councillor Peter Goldsworthy, leader of Chorley Council, said the council was supportive of people using social networking sites and that the authority use them to communicate with residents.

He added: “However, evidence has come to light that certain councillors are tweeting in council meetings and in doing so not paying attention to the business in hand.

“The work of the council is serious business that affects all the citizens of Chorley and demands the full attention of every member, which is why we ask people to turn off their mobiles at the start of each meeting.”