THREE of the eight Worcestershire county councillors representing Redditch will stand down before the next election in May.

The retirement of Labour councillors Colin Bearwood and John Witherspoon and Conservative Tom Wareing was announced at the full council meeting last Thursday.

There are a total of 18 councillors standing down at the end of the term and this will be marked with a special reception in the County Hall council chamber on April 22.

Council chairman Derek Prodger said: "Can I thank you all for your contributions to this council."