LABOUR has opted out of attending future meetings designed to help get troubled Bromsgrove District Council back on track.

In an astonishing statement group leader, Councillor Peter McDonald, said he and his colleagues refuse to prop up what they call the "failing council" any longer and look forward to Government officials being brought in to run the authority instead.

Earlier this year, faced with mounting problems, the Tory-controlled authority applied for voluntary engagement with the Government.

This involves calling in officers to identify what is wrong with the way the council is run, reporting back to the Department of the Deputy Prime Minister and monitoring any improvements.

If this proves unsuccessful, the Government will step in and effectively run the local authority.

Part of the recovery plan process involves minority parties being given the opportunity to have their say.

Earlier this month, council leader Dennis Norton met the leaders of the four opposition parties. At the time it is said all declared it had been a positive meeting.

But, this week Cllr McDonald appeared to have had second thoughts.

"We have tried to have meaningful discussions with the Tories but it is hopeless," he said.

"They have double standards, are secretive, dictatorial and have not grasped the real problems they face and will not accept that they are failing.

"It is not up to Labour to resuscitate a failing council and the sooner the Government steps in, the better it will be for people in the district."

Cllr Norton replied: "Having had a successful meeting with all group leaders, we have decided to set up a cross-party committee, to which Councillor McDonald will be invited, to monitor the recovery programme."

pete.lammas@midlands.

newsquest.co.uk