A PARISH councillor has hit out at a fellow member amid claims that she failed to comply with the council's strict code of conduct.

Stoke Prior parish councillor Athol Deakin claims that Cllr Jeanette Birmingham failed to adhere to the code of conduct which all councillors must sign up to.

Cllr Birmingham's property backs onto a disused Scout hut in Ryefields Road, a plot which is under consideration for the development of affordable housing. Cllr Deakin believes she should have declared an interest when the issue was discussed.

"I do not have any personal vendetta against the councillor but if we have these rules set down, we have to make sure things are done prim and proper," he said.

Members of the parish council have been drawing up alternative plans for the site after Bromsgrove District Council said it wished to build on the land.

The parish council plans include turning the Scout hut into a community centre with extra parking facilities.

But Cllr Deakin added: "I feel the project is too large for us to handle and will take a lot of our own time and cause a financial burden. Many people cannot get on the property ladder and therefore I feel a nice in-fill of houses would be more appropriate."

Cllr Birmingham, who is keen to see a new community centre, said she had no prejudicial interest as she stood to make no financial gain from the development.

She added that six neighbouring residents also had strong objections to the proposals.

"I am not supporting a builder who is putting money in his own pocket. I have the interests of the community at heart," she said.

"For some reason they don't want me involved and are choosing to ignore the parishioners, the people they represent," added Cllr Birmingham.

Cllr Shannon called for the issue to be taken to Bromsgrove District Council's monitoring officer, Vince Harrison to clarify the matter.