HUNDREDS of Dudley borough residents logged on to their computers to take part in a public meeting live on Facebook.

Residents raised a number of issues via Dudley Council’s Facebook page during the hour long session on Monday night.

Councillor Pete Lowe, deputy leader of the council, discussed a range of topics including the council’s support for Dudley Heathens speedway, funding for council services and gritting.

The discussion, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, received more than 780 views and dozens of comments during the hour.

Cllr Lowe said: “The community forums are about opening up the council and listening to what people have to say. As a community council we want the community to help shape the way this council moves forward and I am delighted so many people took that opportunity to get involved.

“As far as we are aware, we are the first council to hold a public meeting via Facebook, which means we can give people more opportunity to have their say.”

He added: “If people still have issues to raise there are a number of community forums coming up at a range of venues, where councillors will be happy to assist with issues where ever they can.”

For more information about community forums, visit http://www.dudley.gov.uk/about/community-council