PEOPLE will have their bags searched as part of heightened security measures for Isle of Wight Council meetings.

The move follows last November’s full council meeting when Isle of Wight Save Our NHS protestors hung banners from the public gallery at County Hall.

In an email to all councillors, members support manager, Simon Wiggins, said there would be extra security in place for Wednesday’s full council meeting.

This will include bag searches and additional officers in the chamber.

In the email, Mr Wiggins said: “There are three petitions and we will be writing to the petition proposers to advise them of the process and our security arrangements and that, in the event of there being too many people for the gallery, we will set up a conference room on the ground floor with a video link.”

Priority in the public gallery will be given to those who have submitted written questions.

The arrangements will be reviewed after the meeting.

A council spokesperson said: “Extra security measures will be implemented at this week’s full council meeting.

“It’s after a banner was unravelled from the public gallery in the council chamber at the last full council meeting, which was unnerving for members sitting below.

“Some members raised concern about their safety.

“We’re also mindful it’s a busy agenda, including three petitions, so we’re taking these steps with the safety of the public in mind too.

“We will be checking bags but we’re not stopping people from expressing their views and as ever, we welcome the public to attend our meetings.”