COUNCILLORS were caught browsing the web instead of paying attention to impassioned pleas to save a centre for disabled children.

Elected representatives were spotted trawling through Facebook and checking the headlines on the BBC about the importance of Nascot Lawn while their colleagues gave “moving” speeches.

Video footage shows Liberal Democrats Cllr Tim Williams and Cllr Aga Dychton ignoring the speakers as their colleagues all pay full attention.

They were caught red-handed around an hour into Watford Borough Council’s full council meeting by the Watford Observer eagle-eyed Twitter user, Seamus Williams.

He said: “It is disgusting that any councillors doing that when a motion like Nascot Lawn is being discussed is a bit outrageous.”

Former Labour councillor Seamus Williams tweeted a picture of Cllr Tim Williams stating: “and now he's on Facebook .... During a vital motion, clearly the NHS isn't worth his attention @WatfordLibDems.”

The shocking scene unfolded as a motion to help the parents affected by the Clinical Commissioning Group’s plans to shut Nascot Lawn was heard.

The cross-party bid was unanimously voted on.

Other councillors to speak passionately in defence of Nascot Lawn include Liberal Democrats Cllr Peter Taylor of Oxhey ward and Cllr Mark Watkin of Nascot ward.

Labour Party leader for Watford Nigel Bell said: “I do not want to end the level of co-operation  (with the Liberal Democrats) that we have been working on.

“I did not see this happening, but if it did then it is very disappointing to say the least, especially when it is such an important subject.”

The Observer has contacted Watford Borough Council for comment.