A MALFUNCTIONING photocopier sparked a debate over the future of local authority communication when Barry Town Council met on Monday, June 26.

The local council’s photocopier, hired on contract, has needed fixing, but since the problem was rectified, had continued to break down.

BTC town clerk, Emily Forbes said there had been “some issues with the photocopier” and it had been repaired.

She said: “Since that time three or four things have gone wrong.”

Independent councillor, Richard Bertin said: “It might be better to buy a replacement.”

Labour councillor, Helen Payne suggested looking at using digital technology.

Mrs Forbes said there were some things that needed to be scanned in and that a photocopier was needed in the office. She said the council was looking at using the Cloud and a report would go to the finance committee in July.

Plaid opposition leader, Cllr Shirley Hodges added: “Not everyone is au fait with technology. We have had councillors who have not had a computer. We have to be careful, but the future is digital.”