Hollywood-style trailer for local council meetings slammed as 'more fluff and puff'

It’s ‘Brent Democracy live – coming to screens near you’ – but not all local politicians are impressed

It’s ‘Brent Democracy live – coming to screens near you’ – but not all local politicians are impressed (YOUTUBE/BRENT COUNCIL)

Encouraging people to take an interest in local politics can be a bit of an uphill struggle at times – and councillors are increasingly coming up with innovative new ways to appeal to a wider audience.

Enter Brent Council in north London. To promote a series of events for Local Democracy Week 2013, they have released a Hollywood-style trailer complete with dramatic music and action shots of local politicians – mainly walking through doors and reading documents.

Cllr James Denselow began the countdown to “Brent democracy live” – a series of webcasts from council meetings – which is coming to screens near you on 14 October.

“Get ready for the @Brent_Council “Drama in the Drum” #BrentLive,” he tweeted, referring to their exciting new premises, also known as the Brent Civic Centre.

The video also features a cameo appearance from the council’s new virtual hologram receptionist, “hired” at a cost of £12,000 last month, and is brilliantly interlaced with shots of excited crowds on their way to nearby Wembley stadium.

Not everyone is entirely impressed by this ground-breaking approach to local politics promotion. Brent councillor Alison Hopkins said on Twitter: “Fairly appalled, to be honest. More fluff and puff, no substance.

“And no consultation about this with full council. Should fix basics like phone system first.”