A vital blueprint recovery plan to get failing Bromsgrove District Council back on track was made public yesterday (Tuesday).

The in-depth two-year programme is the result of extensive consultations with councillors, council staff, parish councillors, various outside groups and individuals.

The plan is wide ranging. It covers modernisation and cultural change, financial management and politics, performance development and corporate leadership, and improved communications.

No stone has been left unturned to get the local authority back on track.

The plan is the result of the under-performing council applying to the government for help earlier this year. Its recovery will be monitored minutely by a hand picked high-powered independent board.

Council leader Dennis Norton (Con-St John's) was upbeat about the draft plan.

"It is one of the biggest challenges I have been faced with," he said. "It is a massive responsibility as it effects so many people in the Bromsgrove district.

"However, I have no doubt we will succeed in turning the council round so we can be judged as a good authority, which will reflect the services we deliver."

Opposition leader Councillor Geoff Denaro (Wythall Ratepayers-Drakes Cross and Walkers Heath) has been put in charge of 'member development' to bring councillors up to date with the plan. He said he was also delighted that staff had been given their say, adding he believed closer working relationships between political groups is fundamental for a full recovery.

The blueprint is divided into themes and has nearly 50 work plans to be implemented over the next two years.

Each programme has been drawn up showing how it will be achieved, when and by whom, how it will benefit other areas of work within the authority and beyond, and the resources it will use.

The consultations threw up some interesting points.

Staff at Burcot Lane said they wanted to see a move away from the 1960s/70s culture and want to feel 'proud to work for the authority.'

Councillors called for better inter-group working, while outside bodies want an end to unseemly squabbles and closer cooperation with them. The plan will be put before cabinet and full council next Wednesday, before being sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for consideration two days later.