A regional daily has struck what its editor has termed an “important blow for democracy” after uncovering details of a council meeting from which its reporters were barred.

HTFP reported earlier this month how the Nottingham Post had branded Nottinghamshire County Council “an absolute disgrace” after it was barred from reporting on a meeting about the planned creation of a so-called ‘super council’.

Now the Post and BBC’s local democracy reporter Kit Sandeman has exclusively revealed the discussions which were had after obtaining leaked documents from the meeting.

The Post splashed on the revelations on Thursday, while editor Mike Sassi has called on the council to pledge that all future discussions regarding the proposal are held in public.

Mike told HTFP: “It’s appropriate that it was Nottingham’s local democracy correspondent Kit Sandeman who was able to uncover details of the important issues that politicians have chosen to discuss in secret.

“Local democracy only works if our elected representatives are seen to be taking decisions in the interests of local people – and in public. The role of local democracy correspondents is to help hold local councillors to account.

“By finding and publishing details of the plans to radically reorganise the way public services are delivered, right across Nottinghamshire, Kit has struck an important blow for democracy.

“The county council should hang its head in shame – and pledge to ensure that all future discussions are held in public.”

The meeting at County Hall, in West Bridgford, was held by a working group featuring leaders of all political parties represented on the county council.

Under the plans, all district and borough councils in Nottinghamshire would be dissolved and a brand new unitary authority, or ‘super council’, formed.

In a previous editorial, the Post said the councillors behind the decision to bar its journalists “should feel ashamed of themselves”.

County council leader Kay Cutts, who is described as a “key supporter of the scheme”, said: “Our working group is looking in detail at all options for better local government in Nottinghamshire. It’s clear we can give the best value-for-money, be more accountable to local people and improve services with a unitary system.

“By replacing eight senior management teams with one, reducing the number of councillors and having one point of contact we can make significant savings, end confusion and ensure you get the best services, no matter where you live in the county.

“We look forward to sharing our business case with local people when it is fully developed.”