DISGUSTED residents stormed out of Bromsgrove's Council Chamber after a proposal to create a new steering group to decide the future of the Rover's Victoria Ground, was turned down.

There was outcry from the public gallery after the Conservative members of the district council voted unanimously against the move.

The proposal to set up the group was put forward by leader of the opposition Labour group Peter McDonald (Waseley) and discussed at the full council meeting last Tuesday.

The committee would have overseen developments in regard to the Victoria Ground and the possible relocation of Bromsgrove Rover's Football Club.

Places on the committee would have had regard to political representation.

Speaking in support of the proposal Cllr McDonald said: "This is a very important issue, not only to residents living around the Victoria Ground but to the whole of Bromsgrove. This is prime real estate and the jewel in the crown of the town." He later added: "The land belongs to the people of Bromsgrove, which is why the future of the ground is very close to a lot of hearts.

"It is time a steering group is set up so we can be honest with residents about what is going on."

Following his speech there were claps and cheers from the public gallery.

Other members of the Labour group, including Cllr Bill Newnes (Sidemoor), also voiced their support of the proposal.

However, deputy leader of the district council Cllr Margaret Taylor (Con-Linthurst) said she felt at this time setting up a steering group would do more harm than good.

"At this time it would have no real purpose and is a waste of officers' and councillors' time," she said.

"But if events move forward then such a thing might be considered.

"I have a great deal of sympathy with the residents who do not know what is going on but we are not in any position to say what is going on so it is inappropriate the set up a steering group."

By EMILY BRIDGEWATER